Dan "Doom" was the kind of guy who looked like he practiced his mirror scowls before showing up. His jacket had a flaming skull embroidered on the back, his hair was styled just messy enough to look effortlessly rebellious, and his deck box? Custom-made, matte black, with DOOM etched across the top in crimson letters.
But what really caught the eye—what really sold the whole 'doom incarnate' image—were the horns. And not the plastic cosplay kind some people wore to conventions, these glinted like obsidian and curved backward, sharp and polished like he'd buffed them with shoe polish before walking in. Which meant Dan wasn't just a tryhard—he was an Inomen.
I tried not to stare, but it was always a little jarring the first time you saw a new one up close, especially when they went full fashion-forward doom cultist. Not that I had a problem with Inomen or anything. In fact, my science lab partner Jean was Inomen, and they were cool as heck. Neat antlers like a deer, always wore flannel, and somehow managed to make glasses look mystical. Jean once helped me cheat on a chemistry test with nothing but a spark of magic and a subtle nod. A real MVP.
But Dan? Dan looked like he had stepped out of an edgy anti-human propaganda poster. And that gave me pause.
I mean, yeah, sure—Inomen looked human for the most part. Same faces, same builds. Just, you know… horns. Sometimes tails. Some had spirals like rams, some had goat nubs, some had those sharp forward-swept horns that looked like they were always ready to stab you in the face mid-convo. Sometimes glowing eyes, depending on the bloodline or how much magic they'd channeled lately.
If you asked your average person to describe an Inomen, you'd probably get "kinda like a demon, but with better hair." But the truth was a little more complicated than "basically a vampire's hot cousins."
All Inomen had magic, that was a given. Born with it, lived with it, breathed it. Some could do little party tricks, sparkles and glamours. Others could go toe-to-toe with Zeldritch monsters in full-on magical street brawls. Which, y'know, impressive. Slightly terrifying. But mostly impressive.
The trouble was the zealots.
That nasty little syndicate of horned purists who were always talking about how humankind "stole the world" and "polluted the skies" and "lost their rightful place beneath the stars," blah blah dramatic lightning strike. They'd popped up a few decades ago, started getting loud, and suddenly every Inomen had a suspicious glare following them through the grocery store. Real unfair, honestly. Most Inomen wanted nothing to do with that nonsense. They just wanted to live their lives, pass their classes, and play Zeldritzon TCG like everyone else. But, well… reputations stuck.
So yeah, Dan could've been a perfectly normal magic-wielding horn guy with a flair for the dramatic.
But then again, the guy named himself Doom. So. You tell me.
And I had to wonder… were those horns natural? They glinted like polished obsidian, but you could buy that look, if you knew the right online shops. I'd seen enough cosplay Inomen at cons with pretty convincing gear. Still, something about the way flames flickered faintly along his fingertips, like static waiting to strike, made me think… yeah, probably real. And probably trouble.
I vaguely remembered Jean telling me something in class about traditional Inomen fashion coming back into style—like, the really old-school gothic-tech wear. Especially among the zealots who wanted to "reclaim their aesthetic dignity" or whatever. Supposedly, some of their more extreme followers were even training with wild Zeldritch in the mountains. Jean said it with a snort-laugh, but the idea stuck with me. I mean, if they could go toe-to-toe with Zeldritch, it kind of made sense.
Still, that didn't mean every guy with horns and eyeliner was out to overthrow the human race.
…Right?
Sarah leaned in, whispering just loud enough for me to catch. "Oh boy. This guy."
"You know him?" I murmured back, already bracing myself for the secondhand cringe.
"Yeah, he's a regular at these events. Loves to trash-talk, but he's not half-bad. Runs a Grim deck, so watch out for disruption plays."
Ah, perfect. Not only was I up against a potentially dramatic zealot, but he also played the most frustrating archetype in the game. Grim decks were notorious for flipping cards face-down, forcing discards, deleting strategies mid-turn, and generally making you feel like you forgot how to play. I was in for a treat.
Dan "Doom" smirked, resting his elbows on the table. "So, Jake Garm, huh? Newbie working his way up the ranks?" He let out an exaggerated sigh. "Hate to break it to you, man, but this is where your ZTCG career flatlines."
I shuffled my deck, trying to keep my face neutral. "Cool, are you gonna monologue the whole match, or do I actually get to play?"
Sarah sniffed, barely hiding her laughter. Dan, to his credit, took it in stride. "Oh, don't worry. You’ll get to lose just fine." He drew his opening hand, flashing a toothy grin.
The attendant arrived to confirm our match. Dan flicked his wrist, revealing a sleek silver ring with a tiny embedded screen—his Zeldritch Sync Band. He tapped it, and his stats blinked to life on the tournament terminal.
Dan "Doom" - Rank #28111
ZP: 3,820
Sarah let out a low whistle. "Okay, he's actually ranked."
"Yeah, obviously," Dan said, tilting his head smugly. "Not to brag, but I placed top 200 in last season's limited bracket during the beta. You ever even played a tourney before, rookie?"
"First time," I admitted.
Dan's eyes practically lit up. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."
I set down my deck, my fingers tightening around the cards. Sarah nudged me under the table. "Don't let him get in your head. He's all bark, probably some bite, but you've got this."
Dan smirked. "Oh, don't worry. By the time I'm done, he won't."
The attendant gave us the signal. "Round two… begin!"
I drew my first card, scanning my opening hand. Not bad. Not great, but playable. I had options. But I wasn't just playing the cards—I was playing him, and Dan "Doom" looked like the type to get overconfident fast.
- Osseod
- Oreseod
- Ossemite
- Yunix
- Angrioon
- Liorex
- Leotyrex
- Skyrawltal
- Skyrawsoar
- Support | APEX Power-Up! [01]
My attention fell back to Sarah when she tapped her finger on the table. "Alright, Jake. Let's see if you can turn that ten ZP into something promising."
Dan cracked his knuckles, his grin widening. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."
Yeah. Fun. That was one way to put it.
We set up our cards, the first flip flops with Dan being gifted the chance to strike first. I paid close attention to the card he placed on the Active Spot. I went for Osseod to start the match and it was that act that activated the match. And both of our monsters projected to life.
Osseod [016]
[ Card Info ]
Attribute: [Ore]
S-HP: [110 Units]
APEX-Power: [100 Units]
Grade: [Common]
Weaknesses: [Plant] [Aqua]
Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
{Skills}
1. [Crystal Spit]
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Ore]
- Description: Osseod ejects a razor-sharp crystal shard from its mouth.
- Effect: Deals Ore-attribute damage to a single foe.
2. [Carapace Catapult]
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Ore]
- Description: With a burst of energy, Osseod launches a volley of crystals from its hardened carapace.
- Effect: Deals Ore-attribute damage to a primary target and, if available, a secondary target. If used immediately following Crystal Curl, the damage increases by an additional [20] APEX-Damage.
3. [Crystal Curl]
- APEX Damage: [0]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Ore]
- Description: Osseod tucks into a compact, armored ball.
- Effect: Activates a protective shield that reduces the damage of the next incoming attack by [20] APEX-Damage. Additionally, boosts its APEX-Power regeneration by [5] Units for the following turn.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Oreseod)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 016
- Size: Small
- Sobriquet: "Odd Crystal Mouse"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [016 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
There was mine, the mineral mouse bouncing in place, eager to get this fight started. My gaze loomed with a grimace as my eyes sored from the harrowing sight of Dan's creature.
Tropiruth [110]
[ Card Info ]
Attribute: [Plant] [Grim]
S-HP: [160 Units]
APEX-Power: [180 Units]
Grade: [Uncommon]
Weakness: [Fire] [Xensect]
Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
{Skills}
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
Shoot. He strung me in into a disadvantageous position by starting with that Zeldritch. I wondered if I could survive long enough to get Osseod out, or at least wither his monster down before it munches the critters to bits.
The match began. Dan grinned, tooth glinting as he drew his first card. He kept that one in his hand, thumped his chest. Meanwhile, I hoped for all that was good that he wouldn't straightaway make a bold move to one-hit victory. RNG was absolutely not favorable on my side. Getting quesy here, and honestly I should have foresaw this coming.
"Hope you're ready to get steamrolled, newbie." He tapped his interface. "Flatten his mouse with Branch Hammer, Tropiruth!"
No! The wicked tree monster slammed its arm down on my Osseod, launching my bud across the field.
Tropiruth's APEX-Power: 180 → 100.
[Branch Hammer] connects!
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Attribute Weakness to [Plant]: [+20 Damage]
Osseod's S-HP: 110 → 10.
That sent my heart thrumming, stomach writhing with that ache you feel plummeting from a rollercoaster. All that from seeing my monster barely holding on by a thread. I silently cheered Osseod on as it struggled to rise to its feet with its face furrowed in pain.
"Next is my coin flip," Dan continued. His coin popped above his thumb. It dropped on the table. I sighed with relief.
Tails.
[Branch Hammer] cannot be used during Dan's next turn!
"Darn," Dan snapped. "No matter. This match ends by the next turn anyway."
Hopefully not.
I gave him a slow, unimpressed blink. "Wow. You sure you're not overcompensating for something?"
Sarah choked on a laugh. Dan's smirk twitched, but he recovered fast. "Nah, man, I just like making sure people remember the guy who beats them." He cracked his knuckles. "And trust me—you're gonna remember this L."
Sure. It was my turn to retaliate. I drew my first card, and drowned the grin on my face with a clenched jaw. Agrioon. Not exactly what I needed. Better than being wiped during the first turn. But still good enough for the comeback I'm wanting to deal back to this guy.
Angrioon [135] (Bench: 1 of 3 [MAX])
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Phantom] [Fire]
- S-HP: [180 Units]
- APEX-Power: [140 Units]
- Grade: [Uncommon]
- Weakness: [Phantom] [Aqua]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
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 [10] APEX Power. Additionally, increases the APEX Damage of your Active Zeldritch by [10]. This Trait does not stack with other instances of Echo of Enragement or similar Traits.
1. [Temper Tantrum]
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Phantom] [Fire]
- Description: Angrioon flaps its wings to conjure a heatwave and unleash them 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 [10] APEX Damage and is inflicted with [Burn].
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Angroombo)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 135
- Size: Medium-Small
- Sobriquet: "Rageful Balloon Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 10 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [135 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Effect Activated: [Echo of Enragement]
- Osseod's APEX Damage increases by [10].
- Tropiruth's and Osseod's skill costs increase by [10] APEX Units.
- Tropiruth's and Osseod's Retreat Cost increases by [10] APEX Units.
We were set, but I was not going to settle with Osseod staying on the battlefield. We were maxed on its APEX-Power, so a strategical retreat was in order.
"Sorry, Dan, but we're heading out," I inputted my directive to the monitor at the side and it dinged. Osseod glanced back at me, looking toothy with its grin as it darted away from the looming, furious tree-beast.
Osseod: [Retreats]
Osseod's APEX-Power: 100 → 70.
Angrioon enters the field, switching with Osseod.
Effect Activated: [Echo of Enragement]
- Angrioon's APEX Damage increases by [10].
- Tropiruth's and Angrioon's skill costs increase by [10] APEX Units.
- Tropiruth's and Angrioon's Retreat Cost increases by [10] APEX Units.
I heard Dan grumble his frustration as he clicked his tongue. Figured he would believe this would have been a clean-cut victory… especially if my draw had not been favorable. Glad it worked out.
"Guess, we'll have to continue this to the end." Dan opened his arms. "Show me what your grumpy balloon can do. Trops and I will easily deflate it toward our path to victory."
"Not on my watch," it was time for me to torch that Tropiruth for almost shredding my heart. "Angrioon's going for a Temper Tantrum. Let's take this match back!"
Angrioon wailed as it threw its wings open to unleash a heatwave that thrashed Tropiruth, who howled and flailed under the intensity of the heat.
Angrioon's APEX-Power: 140 → 100.
[Temper Tantrum] connects!
Attribute Weakness to [Fire]: [+20 Damage]
Total Damage: [60].
Tropiruth's S-HP: 160 → 100.
Dan grinded his teeth, but the scowl that formed on his face vanished as he recovered and made a move to draw a card. "Face it, Jake. This match is mine to win!"
He presented the card in his hand and placed it on the field. I saw then and there that he had set up his Tropiruth to evolve.
Terrotruth [111]
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Plant] [Grim]
- S-HP: [370 Units]
Note: (310 S-HP remaining)
- APEX-Power: [340 Units]
- Grade: [Uncommon]
- Weakness: [Fire] [Xensect]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"Evolved from Tropiruth"
{Skills}
1. [Root Raze]
- APEX Damage: [60]
- Cost: [60 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant] [Grim]
- Description: Terrotruth unleashes corrupted roots that surge forth to tear at its foe.
- Effect: Deals Plant and Grim-attribute damage. Flip a coin; if heads, inflict [Petrified] on your foe's Active Zeldritch for one turn and restore 10 APEX Units to Terrotruth.
2. [Branch Maul]
- APEX Damage: [140]
- Cost: [100 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant]
- Description: Terrotruth slams its gnarled branch, rattling the battlefield.
- Effect: Deals Plant-attribute damage. Flip a coin: if tails, during your next turn, this Zeldritch cannot use Branch Maul; if heads, reduce the cost of Branch Maul by [60] APEX Units on your following turn.
Retreat Cost: [40 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Maelstruth)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 111
- Size: Massive
- Sobriquet: "Dreaded Treant Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 30 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [111 | 213]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
The rooted monstrosity quaked and roared as its single eye keened on Angrioon. I realized how much trouble that dreaded treant would become with that outrageous striking power. This guy was not presenting me any breathing room. All indications in this match was that I had to endure to prevent myself from suffering a premature loss.
I could feel the vibe from Dan as he chuckled evilly, and those horns of his? They flicker slightly with black flames as he gave the table an aggressive tap. He gave me a hard and dark look as he slid his thumb against his interface.
"What's wrong? Terrified of Terro? Good. You're in for world a pain with Terrotruth's [Branch Maul]!"
The mighty tree monster lumbered toward Angrioon and its branch-arm smashed into the poor balloon with anger-issues. The blow was so seismically intense that it sent debris splintering across the field.
All I could have done was watch the horror-stricken show, with my heart jackhammering against my chest cavity as Angrioon hit the floor hard. But the beast took it like a champ and shrieked as it regained it bearings… just barely.
Terrotruth's APEX-Power: 340 → 240.
[Branch Maul] connects!
Angrioon's S-HP: 180 → 40.
"It matters not if I flip a coin to clutch this! My turn ends. Your go, Jake!" Dan pointed as I felt the heat of frustration scorch my cheeks.
Sarah hissed through her teeth. "That thing's going to keep escalating unless you clip its roots fast."
"I'm working on it," I muttered, already eyeing my draw pile like it owed me something miraculous.
Dan barely had time to bask in his own bravado before a voice from the nearby tables cut through the air.
"Not bad, Doom. You're setting up well."
All heads turned toward the source—Riggs Park.
Even among the sea of competitors, he stood out. Not in an obnoxious way like Dan, but in that effortless way top players always did. Sharp features, jet-black hair that barely brushed his eyes, and the kind of relaxed posture that came with knowing you were just better than most people in the room.
His Sync Band gleamed as he rested his chin on one hand, idly sketching in a small notebook with the other. Even from a distance, I could see the lines forming—a new Zeldritch splash art, maybe? His work had been making the rounds online, catching attention for its high-energy compositions and hyper-detailed action shots. I'd even seen some of his prints hanging in card shops.
But beyond his artistic rep? Riggs Park was a beast.
Ranked #90 in the actual Zeldritzon Monster Battling circuit, he had climbed through the ranks fast before putting the pro scene on pause. Word was, his parents had nudged him toward a "real" career—Zeldritch dentistry. Apparently, their practice specialized in treating the actual monsters people bonded with, fixing up tusks, repairing shattered fangs, the works.
He still competed in tourneys now and then, but it wasn't his main thing anymore.
That didn't stop him from knowing exactly how this match was playing out.
Dan, for all his swagger, visibly straightened at the acknowledgment. He gave Riggs a nod, like a street fighter getting approval from a retired champion. "Heh. You watching this one, Park?"
Riggs twirled his pen between his fingers, eyes flicking between our battle and his sketchbook. "Of course. Gotta keep an eye on how the scene's shifting. Plus, I like seeing how newer players handle pressure." His gaze shifted to me. "Jake, right?"
I tensed. I wasn't used to having high-ranked players say my name like I actually mattered. "Uh—yeah. That's me."
Riggs hummed, tapping his pen against his sketchbook. "Your fundamentals aren't bad. But if you don't disrupt Dan's scaling soon, you're playing into his win condition."
Dan scoffed, crossing his arms. "Gee, thanks for handing out pointers to my opponent."
Riggs smirked. "You need them less."
Sarah elbowed me. "I told you, you gotta throw him off. Don't let him play his game."
I exhaled slowly. Right. No more passive plays. If I wanted to win, I had to shift the momentum.
Riggs flicked through his notebook, adding something to his sketch—then, almost as an afterthought, said, "By the way, Doom… if you win this, you'll be facing me next."
Dan stiffened as his bravado flickered away, just for a second. I almost smiled.
Alright. Time to turn this match around.
"You know," Sarah said casually, "I heard the ZTCG dev team designed Terrotruth after a real Zeldritch incident found in the Ashen Timberline. Supposedly takes a whole squad of licensed tamers just to suppress it for transport."
Dan clearly heard her too. "See? That's what I'm talking about. I don't play monsters. I play terror.”
"Cool," I said, "I'll remember that when I snap your 'terror' in half."
Guess Angrioon's Apex Trait was having an effect on me. But no more time goofing around. I still had options. Or at least I believed I could stay in the game. My hand went for my deck, where I plucked my next card. I drew the card. Paused.
Sarah peeked at my face, eyebrows lifting. "That a good pause?"
I didn't answer right away. My eyes locked on the card—then flicked to Dan, to Terrotruth, and then back to my hand.
"Oh yeah," I murmured. "Very good."
My eradication was not here. The card I drew was none other than Liorex. Hurrah!
Liorex [254]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Deino] [Spatial]
- S-HP: [140 Units]
- APEX-Power: [180 Units]
- Grade: [Uncommon]
- Weakness: [Deino] [Relic]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
APEX TRAIT: [Portal Roar]
Effect: Once during your turn, you may retreat Liorex from the Active Spot. Alternatively, once during your turn, flip a coin, if heads, you may retreat the Active Zeldritch to the Bench and switch it with another Zeldritch from the Bench Spot.
{Skills}
1. Deino Fang
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Deino]
- Description: Liorex chomps down on its foe.
- Effect: Deals Deino-attribute damage.
2. Portal Blast
- APEX Damage: [50]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Spatial]
- Description: Liorex releases a space-shattering roar.
- Effect: Deals Spatial-attribute damage. Once during your turn, draw a card.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Leotyrex)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 254
- Size: Small
- Sobriquet: "Tyrannosaurus Kitten Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 50 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [254 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Think it through. I needed to consider how I could get out of this. Angrioon could switch out and I could swap it out with Liorex. Though that would probably leave it vulnerable to everything that the tree horror could dish out.
Decisions were needed to be made. And I chose to go with the activation of Liorex's [Portal Roar].
The coin on my thumb went up. It flipped on both of our monitors and— Heads.
Effect activated: you may retreat the Active Zeldritch to the Bench and switch it with another Zeldritch from the Bench Spot.
Dan laughed as he shook his head, and that chuckle wasn't just smug—it reverberated like he already saw himself in the winner’s circle.
"Bad move. That's the problem with newbies. You don't recognize the signs until the roots are already wrapped around your ankles."
"Wow," Sarah muttered. "Did he rehearse that in the shower or what?"
"I heard that," Dan said, but he didn't sound mad. If anything, he sounded gleeful.
I really agreed with him, but I didn't allow it to show on my face. Nor the fidgets from my shoulders. "Surely you're not believing I'm unable to wrap this up in the next few turns."
Next came the bluff. "You see, Liorex has the chance to evolve. You know that Terrotruth's not the only heavy hitter around, y'know?"
There was the twitch from the corner of his eyes. Or maybe that was a bit of flame. But it made me suspicious about his next play. Maintain the poker face, Jake.
"With that, I am selecting Liorex to go onto the field." Angrioon floated off from the field as the portal tore open behind it, with Liorex stepping in to take its place.
Effect Activated: [Echo of Enragement]
- Liorex's APEX Damage increases by [10].
- Tropiruth's and Liorex's skill costs increase by [10] APEX Units.
- Tropiruth's and Liorex's Retreat Cost increases by [10] APEX Units.
"And I will attack. Go for it, Lio. Hit him with your Portal Blast!" The order I barked led to Liorex to yowl with all its adorable might to fire a powerful, space-ripping blast.
It smacked with delightful "pow" as Terrotruth stumbled from the impact. This was enough to get me a scowl from Dan "Doom". I returned the gesture with a smile.
Liorex's APEX-Power: 180 → 150.
[Portal Blast] connects!
Total Damage: [60].
Terrotruth's S-HP: 310 → 250.
I drew a card. And was ecstatic to see that it was Yunix. I placed her quickly on the bench. My goal was to take advantage of her passive ability.
APEX TRAIT: [Snowflake Cleanse]
Effect: Cleanse all status ailments on the chosen target. Restores [20 S-HP] to the chosen target.
Dan grumbled some incoherent jumble. I squinted, feeling a sense that it either meant he was speaking in his native tongue or… cursing me with a spell. Either way, he did not look pleased at all as he drew his next card.
"Typical. Alright, you got your free hit, but you aren't ready for what's coming next!" He nodded to Terrotruth and the beast lurched with roots tearing across the mat—until the entire table and Liorex was entangled wicked threads.
He had fought back with [Root Raze], and I winced as those roots squeezed around Liorex. Ouch.
Terrotruth's APEX-Power: 240 → 180.
[Root Raze] connects!
Total Damage: [60].
Liorex's S-HP: 140 → 80.
His hand went for the holographic coin. It flipped, landed. I grimaced. "Tails. That should keep ya—"
"I'm switching out by activating [Portal Roar]!" I panicked those words out. Was that a valid play? Or had I make a fool out of myself?
My gaze flicked to Sarah, who gave me an instant thumbs up and a slight nod. Meaning that I somehow succeeded in making a legal move. That was relieving to me. Apex Traits did work under status ailments.
"You pesky…" Dan's horns shimmered.
I held my arms up, "Hey, I am not seeking to get crushed instantaneously."
Glowering, he rolled his shoulders and huffed. "Hurry up, your next beast's getting crushed. The noose's getting tighter."
"Sure, sure," my hand went for my deck and the next card in my grasp was Leotyrex itself. "Guess I'll have to bring Angrioon back to the frontlines. If you can handle it?"
My Angrioon flew back to the Active Spot as Liorex sped away to the sidelines—the bench—and I promptly made my counterattack. After I sprinkled some healing frost flakes on Liorex.
Yunix's [Snowflake Cleanse] activated:
Liorex's S-HP: 80 → 100.
I realized that Angrioon was flickering out of existence and being left on the brink anyway. The best decision I believed for this play was go ahead for an attack. Being down one did not feel right. But that [Branch Maul] was far too hazardous just for Dan to have it available.
The interface a beeped a couple times as made the rites before Angrioon strikes. Farewell bud.
"Temper Tantrum!" The raging balloon followed my order as its entire body exploding with a bloodcurdling bawl. The explosion razed through the field as the sphere of heat engulfed Terrotruth and smeared its gnarly bark with scorch marks.
Angrioon's APEX-Power: 100 → 60.
[Temper Tantrum] connects!
Attribute Weakness to [Fire]: [+20 Damage]
Total Damage: [160].
Terrotruth's S-HP: 250 → 90.
Dan flinched, his eyes wide with disbelief as he recalculated his win conditions. "You really think you can burn me out with a damaged balloon?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, but I could see the doubt creeping into his posture.
"Of course," I replied with a grin.
The tension in the air thickened as Dan's expression hardened. "You're right. You might have done a bit of damage, but I still have the upper hand. The game isn't over until I say it is!"
With that, he pressed a button on his interface, revealing another card from his hand and placing it onto the bench. My heart raced as I awaited the new threat.
Gremgem [066]
[ Card Info ]
Attribute: [Evil] [Ore]
S-HP: [100 Units]
APEX-Power: [130 Units]
Grade: [Common]
Weakness: [Celestial] [Brawl]
Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
APEX TRAIT: [Gem Shield]
Effect: Prevents damage to this Zeldritch if it is on the bench. If the Zeldritch is in the Active Spot, activates a protective shield that reduces the damage of attacks by [20 APEX-Damage] units.
{Skills}
1. Gem Smash
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Ore] [Evil]
- Description: Gremgem smashes its gem against its foe.
- Effect: Deals Ore and Evil-attribute damage.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Grimgem)
[ Additional Info ]
Zeldritch: NO. 066
Size: Medium
Sobriquet: "Gem Gremlin Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [066 | 213]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Dan drew his next card and immediately slapped it down.
Field Effect Activated: Witherwood Grove
The battlefield projection shimmered, shifting into a twisted forest of shadowed trees and hanging vines. The very air looked heavy, like it clung to your lungs.
I groaned. "Seriously? Witherwood?"
Sarah groaned too. "It's a synergy field. Boosts Plant-type damage and saps power from Fire-types every turn. This guy's playing the theme deck from hell.”
Dan gave me a finger gun. "You get it."
He did not hesitate to follow up with his Terrotruth striking my Angrioon down with its [Root Raze]. Darn, he was playing it safe. Now I was down one monster and he had gained one Conquest Point.
Jake's Conquest Points: [0 | 3]
Dan Doom's Conquest Points: [1 | 3]
"Alright, balloon boy," he said, eyes furrowed. "Let's see how much hot air you've got left."
His turn ended and I went for the initiative to take this match back into my hand. My hand soared to Liorex and I brought the kitten-Rex to battle. It howled and stomped a small paw. But I wasn't done yet. Leotyrex ascended into my grasp and it was with a sudden burst that Liorex evolved.
Leotyrex [255] (Active Spot)
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Deino] [Spatial]
- S-HP: [330 Units] (-40)
- APEX-Power: [350 Units]
- Grade: [Uncommon]
- Weakness: [Deino] [Relic]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"Evolved from Liorex"
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 Leotyrex 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. [Deino Fang]
- APEX Damage: [60]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Deino]
- Description: Leotyrex sinks its enlarged fangs into the foe with a fearsome maul.
- Effect: Deals Deino-attribute damage. If this attack knocks out an opposing Zeldritch, recover 10 S-HP.
2. [Dimensional Jolt]
- APEX Damage: [100]
- Cost: [50 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Spatial]
- Description: A crack in reality pulses from Leotyrex's maw.
- Effect: Deals Spatial-attribute damage. Once during your turn, draw a card.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Archliorex)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 255
- Size: Large
- Sobriquet: "Portal Roar T-Rex Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 160 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [255 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
"Wait. Don't you dare get—"
I cut him off exclaiming it like some sort of maniac, even getting Sarah to deadpan me. "Portal! I'm going for Portal Roar!" That gave me a snarl from Dan as I went for my coin.
The coin went up, and the miracle descended as I grinned at the glorious sight. Heads. "You will have to switch."
Dan growled as he took his Terrotruth off of the field and replaced the creature with the Gremgem. He hit, knocking my Leotyrex's head with a big gem. But after two [Dimensional Jolts], the gremlin went down faster than the breath that gusted from my throat.
Jake's Conquest Points: [1 | 3]
Dan Doom's Conquest Points: [1 | 3]
Dan muttered under his breath as brought his Terrotruth to the field. He only managed one final hit before I took the terrifying thing down. Victory secured.
Jake's Conquest Points: [2 | 3]
Win condition: Dan no longer had any Active Zeldritch.