Angrioon's [Echo of Enragement] was already in play, boosting my damage but making skills costlier. On the other hand, Skyrawsoar was a stronger, more durable option with its 360 S-HP and 250 APEX-Power, which would help me tank Terrelepun’s next attack. Plus, if I could set up [Tempest Talon], I could start reducing the cost of my future attacks.
No-brainer.
I tapped my interface and selected my next Active Zeldritch. "I'm sending out Skyrawltal!"
Skyrawltal's holographic form materialized onto the battlefield, its sleek wyvern-like body crouched low against the rocky terrain. Its wings twitched in anticipation, adjusting to the unstable footing beneath it.
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
Gil raised an eyebrow. "Going airborne, huh? Too bad for you, the ground's already stacked against you."
I ignored the jab. Skyrawltal was my setup piece—if I could evolve it into Skyrawsoar quickly, I'd have a serious counter to Terrelepun.
My Turn:
First things first, I needed to get Skyrawltal going.
Step 1: Draw
I drew a card and got Osseod from the top of my deck.
Step 2: Evolution
"Time to level up." I tapped my hand and placed Skyrawsoar onto the field.
My screen blinked as the necessary APEX Evolution Cost [50 Units] was deducted.
A bright light enveloped Skyrawltal, its wings expanding and its talons sharpening into deadly hooks. The transformation was complete—the once-grounded wyvern now took to the air.
Skyrawltal → Evolves into → Skyrawsoar [116]!
- S-HP: 360
- APEX-Power: 250
Skyrawsoar [116]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Wind] [Deino]
- S-HP: [360 Units]
- APEX-Power: [250 Units]
- Grade: [Uncommon]
- Weakness: [Voltage] [Deino]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"Evolved from Skyrawltal"
1. Claw Grasp
- APEX Damage: [50] [+10]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units] [+10]
- 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.
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2. Swoop Slash
- APEX Damage: [60] [+10]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units] [+10]
- 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] [+10]
- Cost: [80 APEX Units] [+10]
- 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
Gil whistled. "Big bird's here. So what? You're still dealing with rough terrain, and my attacks just got a power boost."
He had a point. The terrain still favored him, and [Terrain Overhaul] meant any attack from Terrelepun this turn would hit even harder. I had to minimize the damage before my next turn.
With Skyrawsoar in play, I had a few options. I needed to start wearing Terrelepun down before it overwhelmed me, and [Swoop Slash] was the perfect tool for the job. If I could get [Lacerate] to stick, I could start dealing passive damage over time.
Step 3: Attack!
"I'm using [Swoop Slash]!"
Skyrawsoar let out a piercing screech before diving forward, its talons gleaming with a cutting wind as it struck at Terrelepun.
Skyrawsoar's APEX-Power: 250 → 200.
[Swoop Slash] connects!
- [70] APEX Damage → Terrelepun.
- Effect Activated: [Lacerate] inflicted!
- Terrelepun's S-HP: 320 → 250.
- Lacerate Effect: (20 Damage per turn).
- Terrelepun's S-HP: 250 → 230.
Terrelepun let out a bellow as deep gashes formed across its stony armor. The [Lacerate] effect would force Gil to spend extra APEX Units if he wanted to retreat or attack.
Lacerate Effect Activated:
- At the end of each player's turn, Terrelepun takes [20] APEX Damage until dispelled.
Gil scowled. "Tch. That might be annoying."
I exhaled, feeling a bit better now that I had a stronger Zeldritch on the field. I just needed to keep pressuring Gil before he overwhelmed me.
"I end my turn," I said, watching as the battlefield pulsed with energy.
Gil's Turn
He tapped his interface, drawing his next card. A glint of amusement crossed his face.
"Alright, enough playing around," he said. "I'm doubling down. First off, I'm activating [Quake Charge]!"
Terrelepun stomped the ground, sending tremors rippling outward. It dug into the earth and with the earth trembling, it burst out from the hole it made.
Terrelepun's APEX-Power: 130 → 80.
[Quake Charge] activates!
- [60] APEX Damage → Skyrawsoar.
- Flip a coin—if heads, Terrelepun avoids all damage next turn.
Gil tapped his screen, initiating the COIN FLIP. The holographic coin spun mid-air before landing on...
Heads.
"Darn," I muttered under my breath.
Effect Activated: Terrelepun avoids all attacks and effects next turn.
Terrelepun sunk into the earth as it tunneled into its depths.
[Quake Charge] connects!
- [60] APEX Damage → Skyrawsoar
- Terrain Overhaul
- (Bonus: +30 Damage)
- Total Damage: 90
Skyrawsoar's S-HP: 360 → 270.
Skyrawsoar flapped its wings wildly, stabilizing itself after the impact, but I knew I was in trouble. My stomach dropped. With Terrelepun immune next turn, I'd have to switch gears fast.
Gil gestured to me. "Your move."
As his turn ended, the [Lacerate] status activated.
Lacerate Effect:
- Terrelepun suffers [20] APEX Damage.
- Terrelepun's S-HP: 230 → 210.
My turn.
I inhaled sharply. My next attack was useless, and Skyrawsoar was now stuck dealing with a tank that could ignore damage for a full turn. But I wasn't out of options yet.
I drew my next card. Hey there, Liorex. I played it on my Bench.
I had to think ahead. If I couldn't deal damage this turn, I could still set myself up for a stronger next play. That meant [Tempest Talon]—a move that would reduce one of my attack costs next turn.
I tapped my interface. "I'm using Tempest Talon!"
Skyrawsoar swept forward, its wings glowing with a powerful gust of wind, but as expected, its attack struck against an invisible force field around Terrelepun, dealing no damage.
[Quake Charge]'s effect nullified the attack!
However, the ability's secondary effect still activated.
Effect Activated: [Tempest Talon]'s cost reduction.
- One of my Zeldritch's skills costs [20] APEX Units less next turn.
That would come in handy. I had to be careful, but I wasn't out of this fight yet.
Skyrawsoar's APEX-Power: 200 → 110.
"I end my turn."
Gil smirked. "Good effort, but I'm still in control. Let's see if you can hang on."
Lacerate Effect Activated:
- Terrelepun suffers [20] APEX Damage.
- Terrelepun's S-HP: 210 → 190.
Gil sighed. "Yeah, that's gonna get old real fast."
Gil's Turn
Gil swiped the top card from his deck, barely glancing at it before shifting his attention back to the battlefield. His confidence was palpable. He knew he was in control, and that Quake Charge's nullification effect had stalled my momentum.
"Yo," he said, tapping his interface. "Time to put you in an even worse spot. I'm activating an [APEX-Power Up!] support! Then attacking with [Tusk Trample]!"
First, the activation of Gil's [APEX-Power Up] card replished Terrelepun to my disdain.
Support | APEX Power-Up! [01]
[ Card Info ]
Effect: Replenish [20] APEX-Power Units to 1 of your Zeldritch. This card cannot be played if the Zeldritch is at full APEX-Power.
[ Additional Info ]
- You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [S01 | S11]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Terrelepun's APEX-Power: 80 → 100.
Terrelepun dug its feet into the rugged terrain before charging, its plated tusks glowing faintly as it barreled toward Skyrawsoar.
Terrelepun's APEX-Power: 100 → 20.
[Tusk Trample] connects!
- [80] APEX Damage → Skyrawsoar
- Terrain Overhaul
- (Bonus: +30 Damage)
- Total Damage: 110
Skyrawsoar's S-HP: 270 → 160.
The impact sent Skyrawsoar skidding backward, its wings flaring out to steady itself. That hit was brutal—one or two more like that, and I'd be completely wiped.
Gil crossed his arms. "You're running out of time, Jake."
I clenched my teeth but said nothing. I still had a path to victory.
Lacerate Effect Activated:
- Terrelepun suffers [20] APEX Damage.
- Terrelepun's S-HP: 190 → 170.
Gil scowled. "That stupid status effect…"
It was a small victory, but I needed every bit of damage I could get.
"Your turn," Gil said. "Not that it'll matter for long."
My turn.
I drew my next card, keeping my focus on the battlefield.
I still had my cost reduction from [Tempest Talon] last turn, meaning I could launch a stronger attack for less. This was my chance.
I tapped my screen. "I'm attacking with [Tempest Talon!"
Skyrawsoar roared as it dived, wind swirling violently around its talons as it slashed at Terrelepun.
Skyrawsoar's APEX-Power: 110 → 40.
[Tempest Talon] connects!
- [80] APEX Damage → Terrelepun
- [Echo of Enragement] APEX Trait
- (Bonus: +10 Damage)
- Total Damage: 90
Terrelepun's S-HP: 170 → 80.
The attack tore through Terrelepun's defenses, wind cutting into its earthly hide as debris scattered across the battlefield.
And then—
Effect Activated: Tempest Talon's cost reduction!
- Next turn, one of my Zeldritch’s skills costs APEX Units less.
Lacerate Effect Activated:
- Terrelepun suffers [20] APEX Damage.
- Terrelepun's S-HP: 80 → 60.
Gil clicked his tongue. "Still hanging in there, huh?"
I smirked. "You're not the only one who can keep up the pressure."
I ended my turn.
Gil's Turn
Gil drew his next card, his smirk unwavering.
Gil shook his head. "I'll admit, you're putting up more of a fight than I expected. But this is over."
He raised three cards in his hands before tapping his interface. "I'm using two [APEX Power-Up] supports to recover Terrelepun's units. But that's not all…"
Support | APEX Power-Up! [01] (x2)
[ Card Info ]
Effect: Replenish [20] APEX-Power Units to 1 of your Zeldritch. This card cannot be played if the Zeldritch is at full APEX-Power.
[ Additional Info ]
- You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [S01 | S11]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Terrelepun's APEX-Power: 20 → 60.
"Next," Gil flaunted a new type of Support card in his hand, "I'll activate two [Evolution Catalysts] to seal the deal."
Support | Evolution Catalyst [06]
[ Card Info ]
Effect: Reduce the APEX-Power Evolution cost of 1 Zeldritch by [20] units this turn.
[ Additional Info ]
- You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 50 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [S06 | S11]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Terrelepun's EVOLUTION-Cost: 100 → 60.
(Wait. Don't tell me he's actually planning to…)
Gil raised his next card, his expression unreadable. But then he smirked.
"Alright, yo," he said. "Let's wrap this up—I'm evolving Terrelepun!"
My heart dropped.
Gil tapped his interface, and a golden glow surrounded Terrelepun as its form expanded. Its plated armor thickened, jagged rocky spikes emerging from its back. The battlefield trembled violently, responding to its increased presence.
Terrelepun → Evolves into → Tuntonpun [082]!
- S-HP: 680 (-360)
- APEX-Power: 640
Gil grinned. "Say hello to Tuntonpun, the Terra Tusker Zeldritch."
I exhaled sharply. This just got a lot harder.