Destiny HERO has a lot of untapped potential, and Kira wasn't just making empty promises to Aster. He took it very seriously.
Because of the famous "Big Daddy Phoenix."
Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer is arguably one of the brightest stars among HERO decks in Yu-Gi-Oh! history. At its peak, it dominated the meta.
Like Masked HERO – Dark Law, these cards weren't just popular in HERO decks; they could be found everywhere. Back then, any deck would splash a HERO boss as its finisher.
Looking at the HERO family, only Dark Law and Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer had such high versatility in the meta.
Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer's fusion requirement is a Destiny HERO and a Level 6 or higher HERO monster. ATK 2500—a standard main character stat.
When on the field, all opponent's monsters lose ATK equal to 200 times the number of HERO cards in your graveyard. But that's not the key part. The crucial second and third effects:
Second effect: You can destroy both one card you control and any card on the field. This can be activated at Quick-Play speed—during either player's turn and even the Battle Phase. Great for breaking boards or interrupting plays.
Third effect: If this card is destroyed by battle or card effect, during the next Standby Phase, you can Special Summon a Destiny HERO from your Graveyard.
Of course, he himself is a Destiny HERO.
This is one reason Phoenix is so strong. You can target himself for his own destruction effect.
That way, after using his effect, he escapes to the graveyard and comes back next turn via his third effect.
This means, unless your opponent has grave-hate, Phoenix is basically immortal. He destroys and disappears, then returns next turn. No matter what kind of removal your opponent uses, he's never on the field to be affected.
In a way, this is even more troublesome than absolute immunity.
Of course, Kira didn't expect such an overpowered boss to be easy to create. A monster this strong would be tough to design.
But if anyone in the world could make this card, it would be Aster and his father.
Especially Aster's father. Kira had to admit, that was one reason he spent so much to bring him back.
Aster's father is a gifted card designer; the unique Destiny HERO deck is his life's masterpiece. Without Mr. Phoenix, the deck wouldn't reach its next stage.
Besides Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer, there are other interesting Destiny HERO cards that haven't appeared yet.
Like the Destiny HEROes Aster uses in the parallel world of Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V, which don't exist in GX's main world yet.
Arc-V's Fusion Dimension has Destiny HERO's boss, "Dystopia," and the upgraded "Dusktopia." In the current version, they'd be very strong.
Currently, there's only one Destiny HERO deck in the world, in Aster's hands. But if his father comes back, maybe it won't stay unique for long.
Kira himself isn't that interested in the deck, since Destiny HERO is a bit underwhelming. But if he could get a few specific cards as tech, there's plenty of room for creativity.
Next month, the new school year begins—Kira's last at Duel Academy. Starting this year, Kira, Jaden, and the others will officially be seniors of Duel Academy.
Well, he's already been the boss for a while...
But this year, Professor Viper and exchange students from other academies will arrive, as well as Yubel, who should have returned to Earth by now.
Thinking of this, Kira smiled slightly.
Looks like he'd better prepare—the new school year's going to be interesting.
…
In a dark laboratory...
"Even Masumi Momono failed?"
Professor Viper stood with hands behind his back, facing a huge monitor on the wall, his expression grave.
The monitor emitted a faint blue glow, the only light in the sealed room. The cold light deepened the shadows on his face, making his stern expression even harsher.
"Duel King Fujiki Kira... He's more vigilant about his domain than expected."
Professor Viper muttered.
"Reports say he didn't even get close to the target. As soon as he landed on the island, Duel King intercepted him."
He propped his chin, thinking aloud.
"In that case, the plan might need adjustment. With Duel King's vigilance, if he detects our operation before we act..."
But as he spoke, behind him, a previously invisible black vessel lit up in the darkness.
A pale golden light, like fireflies, gathered and churned in the vessel, turning into countless bubbles.
The bubbles formed themselves into the shape of an eye. The eye suddenly opened, looking at Professor Viper, blinking twice.
Viper turned, frowning at the eye.
"You say the plan doesn't change? But the Duel King—"
The eye flashed gold, and light burst forth.
For a moment, Viper was mesmerized, his stern face breaking into a smile.
He saw a boy's silhouette.
A boy radiating golden light, whispering in a mesmerizing voice:
"Don't you want to see me again?"
"We're so close, just a little more, and we can... be together forever."
Viper stepped forward in a trance, unconsciously reaching out.
"Pierce..."
"Yes, then we can be together forever."
He remembered again why he was doing all this.
His child, who died in an accident, was supposed to be lost to him forever. But with the spirit's power, if he could give it enough energy...
The light faded, and the vision vanished—an illusion.
The giant eye in the glass vessel silently watched Viper.
Viper closed his eyes.
"Of course, you're right. My resolve is unshaken. No matter the cost, I will bring my child back. No one will stand in our way...
"...Not even the Duel King."