I shuffled through my ten-card deck:
- Osseod
- Oreseod
- Ossemite
- Yunix
- Angrioon
- Liorex
- Leotyrex
- Skyrawltal
- Skyrawsoar
- Support | APEX Power-Up! [01]
I activated the match log on my interface and scanned the details. This was all standard procedure—nothing to write home about. Then, lo and behold, my name appeared: Jake Garm, followed by my rank and Z-Points: #199888 and a whopping 0 ZP. I took a wild guess and figured that this tournament challenge was ranked.
"So, any expectations for our first match?" Sarah asked, taking a quick glance at her notepad, which was now filled with neat, swirling diagrams and notes. It looked way more complex than I had anticipated.
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Honestly? I'm just trying not to embarrass myself."
She laughed. "Trust me, it's all part of the learning experience. Just remember to keep an eye on your energy resources and your deck balance. That saved me a lot of heartache in my earlier matches."
With the last scratch behind Spade's ears, Sarah stood back up and adjusted her glasses. "Alright, let's do this. I'll go easy on you, but don't expect me to take it easy on my strategy."
"Deal," I replied, pulling my cards closer.
The attendant waved his tablet, signaling the start of the match. The announcement for the match rang out, and the countdown began. The digital display flashed "Battle Start!" The atmosphere shifted; I could feel the tension rising, an electric anticipation hanging in the air.
We both drew our opening hands, and I quickly assessed my card.
Skyrawltal [115] enters as Active Zeldritch.
- S-HP: [130]
- APEX-Power: [110]
Skyrawltal [115]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Wind] [Deino]
- S-HP: [130 Units]
- APEX-Power: [110 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Voltage] [Deino]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
1. Claw Grasp
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Deino]
- Description: Skyrawltal accelerates across the ground and grasp the foe.
- Effect: Deals Deino-attribute damage. Additionally, if used immediately following Swoop Slash, you may choose another target and deal [20] APEX Damage.
2. Swoop Slash
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Wind] [Deino]
- Description: Skyrawltal swoops from the skies to swipes its talons.
- Effect: Deals Wind and Deino-attribute damage. Inflicts [Lacerate] on your foe's Active Zeldritch.
Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Skyrawsoar)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 115
- Size: Medium
- Sobriquet: "Wing Crawling Wyvern Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [115 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Sarah jotted down something on her notepad, nodding. "Status ailment and additional target damage. I see." Then she placed her own Active Zeldritch on the table.
Florasprout [001]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Plant]
- S-HP: [140 Units]
- APEX-Power: [140 Units]
- Grade: [Rare]
- Weakness: [Fire] [Xensect]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
1. Blossom Bounce
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant]
- Description: With a joyful hop, Florasprout springs and strikes with a burst of blooming petals.
- Effect: Deals Plant-attribute damage.
2. Petal Prism
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant]
- Description: Concentrating the luminous energy of its flourishing petals, Florasprout channels a focused beam of radiant energy.
- Effect: Deals Plant-attribute damage. Increases the Zeldritch's skills APEX-Damage by [10 Units] for the next turn.
Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Prisora)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 001
- Size: Miniature
- Sobriquet: "Flower Sprout Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 40 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [001 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
I took one look at Florasprout and immediately guessed Sarah was running a Plant-deck—solid for sustainability and support but usually vulnerable to aggressive, high-speed strategies like mine.
A flicker of confidence sparked. If I played my cards right, I had a shot.
"Let's flip a coin," I said. "Heads."
"Tails," Sarah countered.
I flicked the holographic coin into the air—tails. Sarah goes first.
The first turn began. She drew a card into her hand, her glasses gleaming as she studied it. I tried to catch a glimpse of her reaction. Nothing. Her poker face was solid.
She looked at her card and then back at me. "I'll respond with [Petal Prism]. Let's see how you handle this!"
In a colorful burst of petals, Florasprout retaliated. My heart raced as I thought about my next move. The damage was done, and I saw my Skyrawltal's health drop.
Florasprout's APEX-Power: 140 → 110.
[Petal Prism] connects!
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- [30] APEX Damage → Skyrawltal.
- (Bonus: [+10] Damage) next turn.
- Total Damage: [30]
Skyrawltal's S-HP: 130 → 100.
"Nice move!" I said, masking my unease. I drew a card—Osseod—and immediately added it to my bench. "Now, it's my turn. I'll activate Skyrawltal's [Swoop Slash]!"
I tapped the corresponding button, and my Zeldritch soared upward, diving down sharply toward Florasprout. The attack connected, and the damage counter displayed [40] points against Sarah's Plant creature. The status ailment from my attack would also hit the next rounds, leaving her with an additional disadvantage.
Skyrawltal's APEX-Power: 130 → 110.
[Swoop Slash] connects!
- [40] APEX Damage → Florasprout.
- Florasprout's S-HP: 140 → 100.
- Effect Activated: [Lacerate] inflicted!
- Lacerate Effect: (20 Damage per turn).
Florasprout's S-HP: 100 → 80.
Sarah's eyes flickered with thought as she drew her next card. Then, she smiled. She drew a card and displayed it from her hand.
Tactic | Celestial Bloom [T-08]
[ Card Info ]
Effect: Choose one of your Plant or Celestial-attribute Zeldritch. Recover [50] APEX-Power units and increase its next skill's APEX-Damage by [30] Units.
[ Additional Info ]
- You can only play one Tactic Card per turn.
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 15 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [T08 | T09]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Support | S-HP Snack! [02]
[ Card Info ]
Effect: Restore [30] S-HP to 1 of your Zeldritch.
[ Additional Info ]
- You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [S02 | S11]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
"Great hit! But I'll activate [Celestial Bloom] and follow up with [S-HP Snack]. Then I'll strike with [Petal Prism] again on my turn to boost my damage output," she responded, manipulating her interface with practiced ease.
Florasprout's S-HP: 80 → 110.
Florasprout's APEX-Power: 110 → 140.
Florasprout's APEX-Power: 140 → 110.
The radiant beam shot out from Florasprout, hitting my Skyrawltal squarely. I winced as the damage counter reflected a scathing [70] points against me.
[Petal Prism] connects!
- [40] APEX Damage → Skyrawltal.
- [Celestial Bloom]
- (Bonus: [+30] Damage).
- [Petal Prism]
- (Bonus: [+10] Damage) next turn.
- Total Damage: [70]
Skyrawltal's S-HP: 100 → 30.
"Ugh, down to 30 HP," I muttered. "I can't let her attack again without a plan." I scanned my hand, searching for a lifeline.
"Think fast, Jake!" Sarah called out, starting to visibly enjoy the back-and-forth.
Skyrawsoar [116] (Next card drawn)
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Wind] [Deino]
- S-HP: [360 Units] (-100)
- APEX-Power: [250 Units]
- Grade: [Uncommon]
- Weakness: [Voltage] [Deino]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"Evolved from Skyrawltal"
1. Claw Grasp
- APEX Damage: [50]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Deino]
- Description: Skyrawsoar accelerates across the ground and grasp the foe.
- Effect: Deals Deino-attribute damage. Additionally, if used immediately following Swoop Slash, you may choose another target and deal [40] APEX Damage.
2. Swoop Slash
- APEX Damage: [60]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Wind] [Deino]
- Description: Skyrawsoar swoops from the skies to swipes its talons.
- Effect: Deals Wind and Deino-attribute damage. Inflicts [Lacerate] on your foe's Active Zeldritch.
3. Tempest Talon
- APEX Damage: [80]
- Cost: [80 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Wind]
- Description: Unleashing the winds around its claws, Skyrawsoar slices with aerial precision.
- Effect: Deals Wind-attribute damage. Reduces the APEX Cost of one of your Zeldritch's skills by [20] APEX Units during the next turn.
Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Skyrawvern)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 116
- Size: Large
- Sobriquet: "Crawl Soaring Wyvern Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 60 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [116 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
"Time to evolve!" I declared, slapping it on the table.
Skyrawltal → Evolves into → Skyrawsoar [116]!
- S-HP: [360] (-100)
- APEX-Power: [250]
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you're getting serious!"
"Just trying to stay in the game!" I grinned back, feeling my adrenaline spike.
She adjusted her glasses. "Your move, Jake."
"Okay, I need to go on the offensive. I'll use [Tempest Talon] to finish the job!” I pressed the button, watching Skyrawsoar fly high before coming down and striking Florasprout fiercely. The creature's S-HP dropped, but not enough to eliminate it completely.
Florasprout's S-HP: 110 → 30.
Bonus damage: [Lacerate].
Florasprout's S-HP: 30 → 10.
"Your strategy is good, but I have a surprise." Sarah flaunted the next card she drew, "I'll be evolving Florasprout into Prisora."
Florasprout → Evolves into → Prisora [002]!
- S-HP: [340] (-130)
- APEX-Power: [250]
Prisora [002]
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Plant] [Celestial]
- S-HP: [340 Units] (-130)
- APEX-Power: [290 Units]
- Grade: [Rare]
- Weakness: [Fire] [Grim]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"evolved from Florasprout"
1. Blossom Bash
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant]
- Description: Prisora springs and strikes with a burst of blooming petals.
- Effect: Deals Plant-attribute damage.
2. Glimmer Bloom
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant] [Celestial]
- Description: Prisora releases a shower of sparkling pollen that momentarily confounds its foe.
- Effect: Deals Plant and Celestial-attribute damage. Inflicts [Stun] on the foe for one turn. Reduces the opponent's next attack damage by [20] APEX-Damage.
3. Petal Prism
- APEX Damage: [50]
- Cost: [50 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant]
- Description: Concentrating the luminous energy of its flourishing petals, Prisora channels a focused beam of radiant energy.
- Effect: Deals Plant-attribute damage. Increases the Zeldritch's skills APEX-Damage by [10 Units] for the next turn.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Kaleilora)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 002
- Size: Medium
- Sobriquet: "Flower Prism Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 50 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [002 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Sarah took a deep breath as she examined her options. "Alright, that was a solid comeback," she admitted, "but I'm not out yet."
She tapped her interface as Prisora shimmered into play. "You didn't think I'd let Florasprout go down that easily, did you?" she teased.
I exhaled sharply. "Yeah, yeah, of course not. That'd be too easy." My Skyrawsoar hovered above, ready to strike again, but now I had a much bigger problem. Prisora's boosted stats meant I'd have to work harder to take it down.
Florasprout → Evolves into → Prisora [002]!
[Laceration] (Cured)!
- S-HP: [340] (-130)
- APEX-Power: [250]
Prisora [002] (Active Spot)
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Plant] [Celestial]
- S-HP: [340 Units] (-130)
- APEX-Power: [290 Units]
- Grade: [Rare]
- Weakness: [Fire] [Grim]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"evolved from Florasprout"
1. [Blossom Bash]
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant]
- Description: Prisora springs and strikes with a burst of blooming petals.
- Effect: Deals Plant-attribute damage.
2. [Glimmer Bloom]
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant] [Celestial]
- Description: Prisora releases a shower of sparkling pollen that momentarily confounds its foe.
- Effect: Deals Plant and Celestial-attribute damage. Inflicts [Stun] on the foe for one turn. Reduces the opponent's next attack damage by [20] APEX-Damage.
3. [Petal Prism]
- APEX Damage: [50]
- Cost: [50 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant]
- Description: Concentrating the luminous energy of its flourishing petals, Prisora channels a focused beam of radiant energy.
- Effect: Deals Plant-attribute damage. Increases the Zeldritch's skills APEX-Damage by [10 Units] for the next turn.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Kaleilora)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 002
- Size: Medium
- Sobriquet: "Flower Prism Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 50 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [002 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
"Prisora's evolution resets its status ailments, so no more Lacerate effect." Sarah muttered more to herself.
"I'll activate [Glimmer Bloom]!" Sarah declared. Prisora twirled, scattering shimmering pollen in the air. A wave of golden dust swept over Skyrawsoar, and the effects kicked in immediately.
Prisora's APEX-Power: 290 → 250.
[Glimmer Bloom] connects!
- [20] APEX Damage → Skyrawsoar
- Skyrawsoar's S-HP: 260 → 240.
- Effect Activated: [Stun] inflicted!
- Skyrawsoar is stunned for 1 turn!
- Skyrawsoar's next attack damage reduced by 20 APEX-Damage!
I winced. A stun effect meant I couldn't attack next turn, and on top of that, my next move would be weaker.
Sarah chuckled. "Looks like you'll have to sit this one out, Jake."
I glanced at my hand, trying to formulate a counterplay. Even if I couldn't attack this turn, I needed to prepare for the next.
Sarah grinned. "That should buy me some time."
I sighed, tapping my fingers against the table. "Alright, let’s see what I can work with."
I drew my next card—Liorex [254], a powerful Spatial-type Zeldritch… if I could get it on the field.
Liorex [254] (Bench)
[ 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.
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
"I'm flipping a coin," I called out, placing Liorex on my Bench.
Cards on the Bench (2 out of 3):
- Liorex
- Osseod
"I want to activate Liorex's [Portal Roar]!" The holographic card shimmered as I flipped the coin—heads! Yes! Victory was mine! I swiftly swapped out my [stunned] Skyrawsoar for my Liorex. This was the moment I had been waiting for!
"Smart," Sarah acknowledged. "Even if you can't attack, you're setting up for your next turn."
"That's right, now with Liorex on the Active Spot I will follow up with a [Portal Blast]!"
Liorex unleashed a cataclysmic blast from its gaping maw, a force capable of tearing apart the very fabric of space. The attack found its mark, slamming into Prisora.
Liorex's APEX-Power: 180 → 150.
[Portal Blast] connects!
- [50] APEX Damage → Prisora
- Prisora's S-HP: 210 → 160.
- Jake draws one card.
I drew a card from my deck and—ta-da!—it was Yunix. I decided to place the ice sprite Zeldritch on my bench because, let's face it, having a little healing magic up my sleeve could be a game-changer later on. But alas, no healing was in the cards for me right now. I ended my turn, leaving my hopes hanging in the balance.
Yunix [105] (Bench)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Glacial] [Cryptic]
- S-HP: [100 Units]
- APEX-Power: [120 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Metal]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
APEX TRAIT: [Snowflake Cleanse]
Effect: Cleanse all status ailments on the chosen target. Restores [20 S-HP] to the chosen target.
1. [Snow Shower]
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Glacial]
- Description: Yunix flaps its wings to brew up a snow storm.
- Effect: Deals Glacial-attribute damage. Inflicts [Frost] on your foe's Active Zeldritch.
Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Yukinix)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 105
- Size: Miniature
- Sobriquet: "Snow Sprite Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [105 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Sarah grinned, impressed but not intimidated. "Looks like you've got a plan, but don't think I've run out of tricks just yet."
"Bring it on, Sarah. You know I thrive on challenges."
Sarah drew her next card, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she examined it. With great care, she laid the new card on the Bench, as if it were a rare treasure.
My gaze drifted to the card art—a spherical creature that could only be described as adorably ridiculous. It sported oversized shoes, a Phrygian cap perched jauntily on its head, and elf ears that seemed almost too big for its body. In its hand, the tiny elven creature clutched a glyph like it was some sort of enchanted weapon.
Alflin [224] (Sarah's Bench)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Cryptic]
- S-HP: [150 Units]
- APEX-Power: [150 Units]
- Grade: [Rare]
- Weakness: [Chaos]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
1. Mana Pound
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [10 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Cryptic]
- Description: Alflin strikes the foe with a concentration of mana.
- Effect: Deals Cryptic-attribute damage.
2. Sigil Shot
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Cryptic]
- Description: Alfin launches a mystic sigil at its foe.
- Effect: Deals Cryptic-attribute damage. Reduces the foe's APEX-Power by [10]. Flip a coin, if heads, dispel a buff or a charge effect from the foe's Active Zeldritch.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Aegielf)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 224
- Size: Small
- Type: Bipedal | Fae
- Sobriquet: "Little Elf Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [224 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Alflin was its name, and honestly, the little fella was so cute that it could probably defeat its enemies with sheer charm alone!
"This might be the end for you, Jake. I'm using [Petal Prism] again!"
Prisora reared back, then unleashed a concentrated beam of floral energy straight at Liorex.
Prisora's APEX-Power: 250 → 200.
[Petal Prism] connects!
- [50] APEX Damage → Liorex.
- Liorex's S-HP: 140 → 90.
- Effect: Next turn, Prisora's APEX-Damage is increased by [10] Units.
I grit my teeth. "Still standing."
Sarah adjusted her glasses. "Not for long."
I drew my next card, my heart pounding—Angrioon. But I had no room on the Bench. Darn. If I made the wrong move, I'd be on the losing end of this match.
"Maybe, but it won't go down without a fight." I retorted, eyeing my cards carefully. I had to make sure Liorex could withstand another attack while also building my strategy for the next round.
Seeing that I had no choice but to defend, I played my turn carefully. "I'll activate Yunix from my Bench. Time for some healing!" The ice sprite shimmered into existence beside Liorex, its chilly aura soothing the wounds of battle.
APEX Trait: [Snowflake Cleanse] activated!
- Target → Liorex.
- [20 S-HP] recovered.
- Liorex's S-HP: 90 → 110.
"Time to engage with another [Portal Roar]! Liorex fire!"
Liorex bellowed with a fury born from the depths of space, channeling its roar into a destructive wave. The air crackled with energy as the attack struck Prisora.
Liorex's APEX-Power: 150 → 120.
[Portal Blast] connects!
- [50] APEX Damage → Prisora
- Prisora's S-HP: 160 → 110.
- Jake draws one card.
The impact rattled Sarah slightly, but determination etched her expression. "Nice move, but it's not enough to save you!" Her eyes gleamed, and I readied myself for whatever she might throw next.
I drew a card and got—Leotyrex! My turn ended.