Aster Phoenix

Aster Phoenix, known as Edo Phoenix in the Japanese version, and commonly romanized as Ed Phoenix, is a child prodigy, world famous, top-ranking professional Duelist. He is adored by fans around the globe, and his celebrity status has done wonders for the game by introducing it to the masses. An intelligent vigilante, Aster makes his first appearance in the second season of Yu-Gi-Oh! GX and is the anti-hero counterpart to Jaden Yuki. Though not initially caring much for Jaden and Duel Academy, Aster is sent there by his manager to defeat Jaden, succeeding in doing so. It is only after a furious Duel between Heroes and realizing that he was being deceived that Aster comes to better terms with Jaden.

Aster is stated by Maximillion Pegasus, the creator of Duel Monsters to be one of the best Duelists he has ever seen, listing him along with Yugi Muto, the previous King of Games and Seto Kaiba. He is also a pro-athlete, and excels at skiing, skydiving, skysurfing, and surfing. While no mention of it is made in the English dub, the original version further indicates that he has a Ph.D. in two undisclosed subjects. Aster can also see Duel Monster Spirits, although not to the same degree as Jaden. Aster is one of only three people to ever defeat Jaden.

An alternate universe version of Aster is set to appear in Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V.

Appearance


Aster's character design was overseen by Kenichi Hara. His usual outfit consists of silver formal wear with button-up sleeves, a black shirt underneath with matching shoes, and a loosely-fitting necktie. His grey hair is sectioned in two layers, his bangs forming one layer and the rest the other. His blue eyes are positioned between the layers closest to his face. He carries an Academy-issued Duel Disk on his left arm.

Voice/Mannerisms
In the dub, Aster's speech is riddled with slang such as "dude" and "rockin". However, he is also very arrogant. His original series counterpart replaces certain Japanese words with anglicisms, the most common being his substitutions of numbers for their English equivalents, and replacing "bochi" 「墓地」 with its English equivalent, "cemetery", and "kouka" 「効果」 with "effect". In addition, he yells "Come on!" when Summoning his monsters in the Japanese version. In the dub, he has a somewhat deep voice.

Personality
Aster is a professional Duelist whose belief in destiny draws him into confrontations with the most skilled of opponents. Aster is well-mannered (much more so in the Japanese version) with good intentions, but can often be blinded to the reality of a given situation due to his stubborn attitude and pessimistic outlook. He pursues his ambitions despite risks and overwhelming odds, and feels that the burden of avenging his father and reclaiming the "Destiny Hero" stolen from him is one that he must shoulder alone. Because his father was taken from him while he was still young, he has a dependency on father figures, such as Sartorius, or his legal guardian, The D. This has, in some instances, proven to be a weakness of Aster's, as the two men have been known to exploit him with mere words, albeit they were being controlled. Since his father's disappearance, Aster has also held a fear of the state of his "time," afraid that he has not truly advanced anywhere as a person following the life-changing event. As such, he uses his "Destiny Heroes" to control his opponents future. Aster is also shown to be sympathetic to other orphans like himself.

Abilities
Aster's physical ability, especially while so young and for his size, is astonishingly exemplary. Aster, before trouncing Zane in professional Dueling, single-handedly defeated a criminal much larger than himself and knocked him unconscious in an alleyway while disguised as a Duel Monster. Aster was even able to move an incredible space all the way to the buildings rooftop in mere seconds after being spotted by Zane and before the nearby police could even arrive. When Aster was carefully watching Bastion he was able to move fast and swiftly out of sight that even the genius Bastion mistook himself as seeing things, despite that it was even Bastion's room and that Aster was again disguised as a Duel Monster.

Aster's impeccable senses and intellect borders him a soothsayer, akin to his close friend and manager's own abilities to precisely predict the future. An example of Aster's prognostication abilities is Aster's first real Duel with Jaden in where he set multiple events to happen into the future and moved Jaden's monsters through time then perfectly proceeded to deal damage to Jaden by targeting the displaced monsters that returned to the field from the past, all whilst Aster's Clock Tower field spell perilously tolled each turn and counted down to Jaden's defeat that Aster had already predetermined and revealed to Jaden beforehand. Also very quickly into his Duel with the Sarinas, Aster sensed an ominous feeling and prognosticated that the Sarinas had an ulterior motive than what they were showing, Asters prediction comes true when the Sarina's Summon "Dark God" to which he confirms was the source of his perturbed feeling. A further testament to Aster's foresight is such when after just encountering Bastion who goes to challenge and win against Sartorius, Aster perfectly foretells to Jaden and Jaden's friends that Bastion will lose regardless of whether he holds the ability to win or not, to which Bastion does just that as Bastion would've defeated Sartorius's servant Chazz but loses due to Sartorius's own subterfuge.

During Aster's visit to Domino City Aster reveals that he is one of the extremely rare few that is able to see Duel Monster Spirits as when he sees the four "Monarch" Duel Spirits that Sarina had cast creating a barrier around Domino City.

Etymology
His name is meant to be a pun in Japanese, as phoenixes were commonly depicted in art during the Edo period of Japan. Edo is also the original name for Tokyo. His English given name means "star", or "silver star".

History


When Aster was a child his father who was a card designer for Industrial Illusions was murdered (kidnapped in the English version) leaving the last cards he created, scattered on the floor around him at the scene. A card was stolen from him, known only as "The Ultimate D-Card".

Society of Light
Aster first meets Jaden at Duel Academy at the beginning of the second year, enrolling as a new student. After arriving at Duel Academy, Aster enters Dorothy's card store where he builds a Deck while only using the several random packs of cards that were left on the shelves. When Ms. Dorothy tells him that he wont get far building Decks like that, he tells her it's fine, as he is only testing his abilities. In the middle of his Duel with Jaden, Aster receives a phone call from a mysterious a man who reads his fortune and tells him that the God of Death tarot card is in reverse,(it is revealed that this reading means that Aster should forfeit his victory)Aster replies that he understands and ends the call. Aster proceeds to Duel Jaden a bit more seriously, although Aster is only using a Deck of random cards from random packs he quickly takes back the Duel, destroying all of Jaden's monsters and leaving him open for direct attacks. After Jaden narrowly avoids a finishing attack. Aster thinks about the previous conversation that he had with his manager, which is revealed to be the mysterious cloaked man reading tarot cards who called previously. The man tells him to lose the Duel on purpose as it will better him as a Duelist. Following his manager's orders, Aster throws the Duel and leaves on a respectful note, still thinking to himself about how Dueling this lower-level Duelist would change him and starts to doubt his manager's predictions.

After Aster leaves Duel Academy for his Pro League Duel against Zane Truesdale, he punishes a criminal in an alley while dressed as Phoenix Enforcer. Zane arrives only in time to see the criminal collapse and the vigilante leaving the scene leaving Zane to wonder what the mysterious figure was. Aster is then seen meeting with Sartorius who chides him on his careless vigilante ways and advises him that he would not expect the man he seeks to be among the petty criminals in that area. As Sartorius begins to predict Aster's future, he draws The Chariot tarot card. But before Sartorius can tell Aster of its meaning, Aster reveals that Sartorius has predicted that he will have a perfect victory against Zane and that the Chariot has been the only card that appears when he tells him of his fortune. Aster continues that even in his last Duel with Jaden he would've won, but that Sartorius ordered him to lose and that he would rather continue being at the top of the Pro League instead of wasting his time at Duel Academy. Sartorius reassures Aster that there are not mistakes with the future he predicts, and Aster then agrees that he will defeat Jaden, after he defeats Zane.

At the beginning of his Pro League Duel with Zane Truesdale, Zane mentions how Aster has replaced him as the best Duelist at Duel Academy and continues to praise Aster as someone he wanted to Duel but Aster responds to Zane compliments as if Zane was an old man, to Zane's annoyance. The Duel begins and Aster Summons "Elemental Hero Avian". This shocks Jaden and his friends watching back at Duel Academy, and even Zane himself, as Aster is playing Elemental Heroes just like Jaden. When Aster fuses "Avian" with "Burstinatrix", he does not Summon "Elemental Hero Flame Wingman", but rather "Elemental Hero Phoenix Enforcer". Much to his friend's disbelief, Jaden did not know that card existed. As the two Duel, Aster stays one step ahead of Zane while occasionally angering him in the process, both quickly overtaking each other. Zane Summons "Cyber End Dragon", and with seemingly the upper hand, attacks Aster's "Shining Phoenix Enforcer". However, Aster activates his Trap Card "Destruction of Destiny", which sends the top five cards of his Deck to the Graveyard, 4 of which are Elemental Heroes. This results in "Shining Phoenix Enforcer" having a higher ATK than "Cyber End Dragon", thus destroying it by battle. The combined amount of Battle Damage and effect damage causes Zane to lose the Duel. When Aster comments to Zane that his destiny was already decided, Zane remembers similar words were said by the mysterious figure who attacked the criminal beforehand, and realizes it was him, but Aster walks away.

After defeating Zane in the Pro Leagues Aster is interviewed by numerous news reporters, Aster takes credit as the first to make the hero Deck and that a Duelist at Duel Academy who he reveals that a Duel Academy student has gotten famous for using "his" Deck. Aster challenges Jaden Yuki and announces that he will be returning to Duel Academy. Before Aster leaves for Duel Academy he meets with Sartorius, when Sartorius questions Aster if hes using those cards, Aster comments that hes going to show Jaden the true Heroes. Sartorius checks Asters Dueling spirit and the future that dwells in his Deck. Sartorius finishes reading Asters destiny and assures Aster of his usual success by saying that he didn't even need to foretell his future.

Aster visits Duel Academy by jumping then sky-surfing from a cargo plane, Syrus sees this as a star falling down to the school. Aster soon punishes a thief trying to escape from the academy after stealing a batch of cards from the school store by not only defeating the thief in a Duel, but also knocking the criminal unconscious with a monster. Aster then encounters Jaden and his friends after they rush to the scene. Bastion questions Aster on what happened to the unconscious man, but Aster only smirks and addresses Jaden that's its been a while since they last met. When Vice Chancellor Bonaparte tells Aster that the fate of the Slifer Red dorm hangs in the balance of their Duel, Aster insults him by saying that he would have to become his sponsor before they can utilize his Dueling, but that he wouldn't be able to afford it with his salary. Aster then tells Jaden that he will be waiting for him at the school's Duel arena first thing in the morning, and that no spectators but his friends are allowed. Aster says that the Duel will be nothing special to him and that a Pro does not reveal his skills recklessly. Jaden exclaims to Aster that his Elemental Hero Deck means everything to him, but Aster only laughs and tells hims not to forget that.

Aster begins the Duel with Jaden with Aster declaring that the Duel will decide which of them is the true "Hero" user. During the beginning of their Duel, Aster tells Jaden that he won't win against him and that he has something that Jaden does not have, Aster then tells Jaden that he will understand soon. A battle between "Heroes" erupts as the two mirror each other with their respective "Elemental Hero" monsters. After Jaden manages to remove Aster's "Shining Phoenix Enforcer" from the field, Jaden calls the Duel fun. Aster criticizes Jaden for calling the Duel fun and that a Duel between "Heroes" should not be enjoyable. Aster goes on that the carefree way Jaden uses his Elemental Heroes just because their looks and that they are his favorites makes him sick, he also states that he needs his heroes to live, the "true Heroes". Just then, Aster reveals that the wheel of destiny has begun to spin and activates D-Time and unleashes the true monsters of his Deck, the '"Destiny Hero" cards. Aster proclaims the "Destiny Heroes" are the true power and surpass that of the "Elemental Heroes". From here on out Jaden loses any control over the Duel as Aster controls all time around Jaden and continuously sends his monsters into the future. As the hands of Aster's "Clock Tower Prison" hands begin spinning, signaling the passing time Aster reminds Jaden that the clock tower will countdown to his defeat and that he cannot escape his Destiny.

The Duel wages on and Aster continues to control almost all of Jaden's moves by attacking Jaden with his own monsters through the effect of "Misfortune" when they are returned to the field through the effect of Doom Lord and setting up card effects to activate in the future. Aster Summons "Destiny Hero - Dreadmaster" when "Clock Tower Prison" is destroyed and stops Jadens's "Elemental Hero Thunder Giant" from being able to destroy any Destiny Heroes with Dreadmaster's effect. Aster reveals and that he will become the greatest Duelist, and that he will also find his father's attacker who will have a certain card and rid the world of crime "his way". Aster defeats Jaden, and proves that he is the true Hero user and that he and his Destiny Heroes surpass that of Jaden and his Elemental Heroes, as Aster triumphantly walks away he is protected and surrounded by his Duel Monster Spirit, "Dreadmaster]]", who mimics Aster's leave. Unbeknownst to Aster, Sartorius had snuck a portion of his spiritual energy into his Deck prior to the Duel that would activate and brainwash Jaden to his side upon Jaden's defeat, but ended up temporarily blinding him to his cards instead due to the boy's power to defy his destiny.

Aster later meets with Sartorius, where Sartorius tells him that something against his predictions are happening, which shocks Aster. Aster responds that he is surprised that something has gone amidst with Sartorius prediction's which are always correct. Sartorius continues and tells Aster that there is someone at Duel Academy who can overcome their fate, when Aster becomes curious, Sartorius tells him that if he wishes to find out then that he should go to Duel Academy once more, but as always Aster wants nothing to do with Duel Academy and walks away. Aster leaves and starts to remember his past and of when he first meets Sartorius when they were younger. He remembers young Sartorius telling him that his sadness is fate and that Aster has extraordinary power within him. After remembering his past and a young Sartorius, Aster states that the fate Sartorius predicts is absolute, and wonders how someone could overcome it, just then Aster's phone rings only for it to be Bonaparte who states that there is something they need to talk to him about, the conversation causes a seldom look on Aster's face.

Aster returns to Duel Academy by doing his signature sky surfing from a plane, true to his name, he appears as a bright shooting star while doing this. Aster soon shows up before Alexis and the rest of Jaden's friends when Alexis ask Principal Crowler and Vice Principal Bonaparte who her opponent will be, Aster reveals that he will be her opponent, this completely shocks Alexis and her friends and also Principal Crowler. Aster is soon met with Chazz before the Duel, who had already been brainwashed and converted by Sartorius after he is easily defeated by Sartorius earlier on. Aster is asked by Chazz if he came on behalf of Sartorius who is the leader of the Society of Light, but Aster does not know what he is talking about as Aster has not heard of any Society of Light to Chazz's surprise. Aster is then asked by Chazz if he came to obliterate Jaden, in which Aster replies that he doesn't need to as he has already annihilated Jaden. Chazz continues to tell Aster that even though Aster defeated Jaden, Jaden did not become a member of the Society, which means that Sartorius's power does not work on Jaden, all this simply confuses Aster further. As Chazz walks away Aster demands that he explain himself but to no avail. Aster seldomly starts to wonder if Jaden really is the one Sartorius was speaking of, the one who can change his destiny.

Aster prepares his Deck readying for the face off, Aster emits and aura so strong it absolutely frightens Alexis. Vice Chancellor Bonaparte announces that the fate of the Red Dorm is at stake, but fortunately before the Duel can begin, a familiar voice is heard which is revealed to be Jaden. Aster is then thanked by Jaden, as it was Aster, that allowed him to receive his new Deck. When Jaden speaks of his new hero Deck to Aster, Aster reminds Jaden that there are no heroes that surpass the Destiny Heroes on the earth, but Jaden reminds Aster that his new Heroes comes from space, leaving Aster wondering. Jaden Duels instead of Alexis, as Jaden feels he is the one to Duel Aster. Aster's new opponent is changed to Jaden, although Jaden tells Aster that they should enjoy their Duel, Aster reminds Jaden that no matter how many times they Duel, he will be victorious.

The Duel begins and Jaden Summons Neo Spacian Aqua Dolphin, surprising Aster a little. Although Aqua Dolphin manages to destroy a Destiny Hero in Aster's hand, Aster quickly takes back the Duel and Summons "Dreadmaster", subsequently Dreadmaster DSummons the other Destiny Heroes that were in Aster's Graveyard causing Jaden's friends to worry. When Jaden Summons his new Hero, "Elemental Hero Neos", Aster denotes that it's impossible, as Aster, a Hero player who used "Elemental Heroes" at one time, has never heard of or seen that hero. Aster becomes enraged when Jaden manages to destroy "Dreadmaster", and as the Duel continues, Aster starts to speak of Destiny and that his victory is already decided just as their previous Duel.

Aster easily regains the Duel and has his Destiny Heroes launch three direct attacks to Jaden, depleting almost all of Jaden's Life Points in only one turn. In Aster's mind he comments that Jaden does not know the burden of the true heroes and continues to become annoyed as Jaden regains smalls advantages with Jaden's new Neo-Spacians. Aster activates "Dark city", the "Destiny Hero" equivalent to Jaden's "Skyscraper", much to Jaden's excitement when he notices this. As Jaden shows Aster more of his new "Neo-Spacians" and his excitement of their being more "Heroes", Jaden increasingly angers Aster to the point that Aster laments that he does not believe in "Heroes" without destiny, referencing his past, as Aster uses the "Destiny Heroes" to eliminate all crime, and to also find his fathers attacker. When Jaden mentions that Aster's father as as a card designer must have created the "Destiny Heroes" to please him instead of angering him, it triggers Aster to remember the great memories that he had with his father when he was younger and that his father in fact did draw countless heroes to make him happy but Aster laments to himself that he only feels sorrow at the sight of his "Destiny Heroes".

Aster is interrupted from the thoughts of his past by Vice Chancellor Bonaparte, who deceitfully tries to get Aster to believe that Jaden is trying to confuse him, Aster, beginning to have a change of heart wonders if he's burdened his Destiny Heroes with his own fate when he uses them for revenge. The two chosen Duelist continue the Duel as Aster quickly closes the gap between Life Points with another attack causing Jaden's friends to worry again and denote that Aster is too powerful. Aster once more "Dreadmaster", this time using its Summoning effect to gather Tributes for "Destiny Hero - Dogma", a monster so powerful it causes all of Jaden's friends to panic, as one attack from Dogma and Jaden will lose to Aster again. With Dogma Summoned, Jaden's Life Points are cut in half during Jaden's next standby phase, leaving Jaden with 150, barely any Life Points left, and Aster back in control of the Duel. When Jaden tries to respond to Aster's "Dogma", Jaden Summons his new "Neos", Aster remarks that Neos is still much weaker then Dogma, only to see Jaden contact fuse "Neos" and "Neo-Spacian Flare Scarab" to Summon Elemental Hero Flare Neos triggering Aster too remember how he always used to be excited for the new heroes his father had always made for him to see. Aster shields Dogma from Flare Neos's attack with D - Shield, which causes Jaden to praise Aster as being incredibly amazing.

Aster accepts Jadens praise, and compliments that Jaden's Neos is indeed a great Hero, even so, Aster tells Jaden that he still wont lose the Duel. Aster is ready and prepares to end the Duel, he equips Destiny Hero Dogma with Heavy Storm Blade, so, when Dogma attacks it will destroy all other spell and traps cards on the field, Aster shouts for Jaden to disappear, Dogma attacks and Neospace and Jaden's facedown are destroyed reducing Flare Neos's attack points to 2900 while Dogma's attack points is 3400. The two heroes clash, and it seems that Flare Neos has been destroyed and that Jaden has lost to Aster again. After the clash, Aster sees that Dogma is having problems destroying Flare Neos and that Heavy Storm Blade is slowly beginning to crack, Aster denotes this as impossible. Jaden surprisingly reveals that Flare Neos's attack is actually 3700, Jaden goes on to reveal that the facedown card that Aster destroyed when Dogma attacked equipped with Heavy Storm Blade was a spell card called Spell Calling, and that when it was destroyed Jaden was allowed to set two more Spell Cards from his Deck to the field, increasing Flare Neos's ATK by 400 for each card set to 3700 after Dogma's attack. Shocked and amazed with what is happening, Aster determines that Neos is the power that goes against Sartorius's predictions. Miraculously, Destiny Hero Dogma is destroyed in the attack initiating an explosion also winning Jaden the Duel.

As Jaden starts to celebrate his victory Aster admits that he loses today, but that it doesn't mean that his Destiny Heroes had lost but only that his abilities are imperfect. Jaden denotes that their first Duel is a No Count and that he and Aster are tied, Aster agrees and tells Jaden that he will clear the tie between them eventually. As Aster walks off the Duel platform with a seldom look on his face he glances at Chancellor Crowler and Vice Chancellor Bonaparte who are cowering in fear of him in the stands. Vice Chancellor Bonaparte remarks that he doesn't know if he should feel lucky or not as Aster actually managed to lose, Bonaparte does not have to reveal information of Aster's fathers attacker that he actually doesn't have. As Chancellor Crowler expresses that the abolishment of the Red Dorm will be postponed as promised, Aster's catches up to them and declares that he will be making Duel Academy his base, Aster also declares that the Pro League is very busy so he wont come frequently, the chancellors only cower in fear and wish him luck as Aster walks away. Outside the Academy, Asters tries to call Sartorius but to no avail, Aster realizes Sartorius has disappeared, but Aster wants answers, such as what Sartorius is planning and what the Society of Light is. Aster knows that if he stays at the academy with Jaden Sartorius will show again, as Jaden can overcome Destiny.

After Aster's furious Duel with Jaden Aster usually stays relaxing on his yacht but tends to show up and give advice to Jaden or one of Jaden's friends because he is technically still a student at Duel Academy. Such as Aster telling Jaden of X, a Duelist who Duels by reducing the amount of cards in his opponent's Deck to zero instead of there Life Points, and warning that Hassleberry had no chance against Sartorius after Sartorius confronted Hassleberry with a Duel and that Sartorius can foretell Destiny.

Later when Aster and Duel Academy students arrive at Domino City for the field trip Bastion questions Aster on what Sartorius is up to denoting that Sartorius is his manager after all, Aster denies this and says that he isn't anymore which he then remembers a previous conversation with Sartorius which increased his suspicion of who he thought was his friend. Aster then finds Jaden who has just found Yugis grandpa dumped in a pile of trash after he was kidnapped and tells him of his uneasy feeling. Aster then begins noticing four "Monarch" Duel Spirits forming a barrier around the city. He tells Jaden that ever since he Dueled him he has begun to see strange things, hinting at his ability to see Duel Monster Spirits.

Aster is later seen in his trailer scoffing at Jaden's nonchalance of the situation after Jaden becomes amiable with a stranger in the middle of the night. When the strangers turn out to be working for Sarina they challenge Jaden to a Duel but Jaden defeats T-Bone, Sarina appears and seals T-Bone into a card then challenges Jaden after showing Syrus and Hassleberry trapped inside pods at the Virtual World Facility and challenges Aster telling him to come too as it is destiny. Realizing this is what Sartorius meant earlier on, Aster heads toward the facility with Jaden and Bastion in tow shortly after Sarina's challenge. After arriving at the virtual facility they decide to leave Bastion behind along with Yugi's grandfather. Aster enters the facility along with Jaden however they are blinded by a bright white light soon after reaching the room Hassleberry and Syrus were in.

Aster and Jaden regain themselves, only to find that they've been placed into the virtual world also. Aster soon discovers Jaden's friends, Hassleberry who has been turned into a dinosaur and Syrus who has been turned into a car. Aster also discovers Frost, Thunder, Blaze and T-Bone sealed with in the virtual world. When Sarina finally reveals herself, Aster demands her to answer why she has brought him here. Sarina states that Sartorius predicted that one of them has the power to save him which causes Aster to wonder if his destiny has changed, she then challenges Aster and Jaden to a tag Duel. Aster agrees to Duel alongside Jaden when Jaden ask for his help but denotes that he is Dueling for more personal reasons than for saving Jaden's friends. Aster and Jaden form the ultimate tag team, while Sarina Duels them with a virtual double of herself

The Duel begins and Aster already surmises that Sarina's cards and moves have a deeper meaning behind them. Aster soon finds himself becoming competitive towards Jaden at the beginning of the Duel as he feels that he alone is the predicted one. Aster becomes more and more frustrated with Jaden's stupidity, as Jaden shows great misjudgment and gets not only his monsters but also Aster's monsters too destroyed by Sarina's Mirror Bind. Aster easily discerns to Jaden that they need to focus on removing the Sarinas's Silver Spirit - Ukyo and Silver Spirit - Sakyo from the field to disable them from being able to use Mirror Bind. Aster takes the lead after Jaden realizes that he should let the Pro figure out a way to attack. As expected Aster demonstrates his ability by destroying one of the Sarinas's Silver Spirits and inflicting the first amount of damage to them, while still seeing himself as the one of Sartorius's prediction. Aster soon single-handily destroys the Sarinas's Ukyo and Sakyou with Destiny HERO - Double Dude and corners them but soon notices the moon that was cast by the Sarinas's Full Moon Mirror card has blackened and that they have come upon a black fog.

After the Sarinas Summon Deity of Darkness - Dark God Aster realizes that it was the source of his uneasiness all along. Dark God destroys Jaden's monsters, leaving Aster thinking that the Sarinas will launch a direct attack but Jaden simply states that its the end, yet the attack never occurs. Aster has Jaden think to why Sarina did not make another attack, revealing to Jaden that the Sarinas Dark God can not attack directly, much to Jaden's thanks. Jaden shows great admiration that Aster decided to join him in the Duel but Aster reveals that he still has not approved of Jaden, causing Jaden's face to flush red. When Jaden becomes excited by the Sarinas monsters Aster ponders that hes not taking the Duel very seriously. Aster ask his Destiny Hero's to lend him power in which he draws Destiny HERO - Dasher, realizing that destiny is still under his control he subsequently Summons Dasher and increases Dasher's ATK higher than the Sarinas Dark God. Dasher attacks the Sarinas Dark God in which it is destroyed, however when the smoke clears Dark God still stands and the Sarinas state that Dark God can not be destroyed by battle. Aster soon thinks impressively of Jaden as Jaden still wishes to turn things around in such circumstance, fortunately it is only made possible by Aster and his Destiny Hero - Dasher which allows Jaden to Summon Neo-Spacian Dark Panther and eventually Elemental HERO Dark Neos defeating the Sarinas's Dark God and Sarina herself and winning the Duel.

Jaden admits to Aster that he would've straight out lost if he did not pair with Aster, impressing Aster somewhat. After the Duel, Sarina collapses but pleads to Aster to save her brother. Sarina then tells Aster the story of Sartorius's past and of a mysterious man who once came to get his fortune told, brought a hero card holding a strong ominous entity that came to posses Sartorius's and develop a split personality within him. Aster questions Sarina to whether the card was the Destiny Hero that was stolen from his father and if Sartorius has that card now to which Sarina replies that he doesn't, as the card had vanished from Sartorius's possession. Before Aster can force anymore information from Sarina the virtual world begins to collapse. Sarina begins to fade away but pleads to Aster once more to use his ability return Sartorius to the kind hearted person he once was and to stop the entity possessing Sartorius from leading the world to destruction as Sarinas states that she realizes that both Aster and Jaden can alter Sartorius's destiny. Aster soon leaves the collapsing virtual world with Jaden and co in tow, once outside he expresses concern over saving Sarina before leaving Domino City shortly thereafter.

Although knowing that Duel Academy is in a state of chaos as students are being brainwashed and brainwashing others into a cult, Aster relaxes comfortably on his yacht while easily foiling Jaden and co's attempts to steal his food. Unbeknownst to Bastion, Aster keeps steady watch over him. Eventually, a crazed Bastion who's suffering from an anxiety attack for not being sought after by the Society of Light despite being a strong Duelist himself builds a new Deck, with it, he decides that he will not lose to anyone, only to be discovered by Aster in his trademark "Doom Lord" disguise whose been keeping tabs on Bastion yet vanishes before Bastion can notice him. Outside the Ra Dormitory Bastion crosses paths with a waiting Aster, when questioned, Aster in a wile nature denotes that he just likes to take daily strolls at night. Although Aster continues to mock Bastion with sarcastic comments on his endeavor to challenge Sartorius, Bastion indicates that he will prove to Aster that he is too a strong Duelist as before heading off. Later on, Aster makes contact with Jaden and his friends and tells them to head to the academy's Duel Arena. Aster reveals to Jaden that Bastion has run off to challenge Sartorius, when Jaden asks Aster if Bastion has a chance of defeating Sartorius, Aster replies that he does not. Aster continues to reveal that even if Bastion could somehow win against Sartorius that he still wouldn't win. Aster denotes that although Bastion is a strong Duelist and wants to become stronger, that Bastion also wants the people around him and his friends to recognize him. Aster finishes revealing Bastion's situation to Jaden, causing Jaden and his friends to run off to Duel Academy's Duel Arena. They make it a little too late, as Bastion forfeits his clear victory over Chazz after Sartorius uses his mental powers to persuade him into losing the Duel instead of defeating Chazz just as Aster foretold. Aster soon appears, he confirms that Bastion let Chazz win and goes on to reveal that Bastion's intellect would have been a tough opponent for Sartorius, unfortunately, Sartorius was still able to overcome him by preying on Misawa's newly developed anxiety.

Aster eventually is next seen watching as Chancellor Sheppard announces the opening of the Genex tournament along with an excited Jaden and Jadens's friends. After the announcement, Aster keeps his usual laid back and aloof attitude in contrast to Jaden's excitement while the two discuss the Genex tournement along with Hassleberry and Syrus. While Hassllebery and Syrus are too afraid to Duel Jaden in fear that they will be easily defeated, Aster vigilantly proclaims that he will be keeping very close eyes on hows things develop as usual. After Jaden is alerted that Chazz is Dueling a pro, Jaden rushes to the scene to find Aster who confirms that Chazz is Dueling a low ranking pro but surprisingly adds that Chazz is actually winning. Chazz defeats the low ranking Pro Duelist and then challenges Jaden in front of Aster, Hassleberry, and Syrus before leaving. When Jaden unknowingly ask Aster if he is actually going to Duel, Aster wittingly responds that all the Duelist on the island are avoiding and keeping their distance for some reason from him. Tyranno responds to Aster's statement saying that they are avoiding him because Aster is obviously way too strong. Aster soon reveals more than a handful of Genex medals that he won from defeating Duelist that were curious of who he was, this completely shocks Hassleberry who wonders when Aster got so many. Without as second's notice, Aster gives Hasslebery the large amount of medals in which Hassleberry accepts happily, Aster adds on that they were inconveniencing as they were weighing his pockets down. After giving away the handful of medals, Aster rhetorically ask Hassleberry if he wants to be his opponent which greatly intimidates Hasselbery, Hasslebery simply doesent respond and Aster nonchalantly departs while advising Jaden, Hassleberry, and Syrus to do their best.

Aster watches Jaden's Duel with Chazz during the Genex Tournement after Chazz is brainwashed due to Chazz's lost to Sartorius. After Jaden gets Chazz to regain himself, Chazz causes himself to lose in order to destroy the monster Sartorius gave him, this causes Aster to note how Jaden defeated a part of Sartorius's power and explain to Hassleberry that there are some monsters one must defeat.

Aster is later seen on his yacht staring at the light emininating out of Duel Academy but he is soon disturbed by the normal Sartorius who is non-possessed. The normal Sartorius tells Aster that the light he is staring at is The Light of Destruction and that it plans on wiping out all of humanity. Sartorius hands a case containing one of the only two keys for the laser satellite to Aster as a part of Sartorius's plan to leave the keys with Aster and Jaden, the chosen two who rule over destiny. Sartorius states to Aster to protect the key and to save the world as the fate of the planet rest in Aster's hands. After the ordeal, Aster ponders why Sartorius was out there and proceeds to open the case revealing the key only for Aster to wonder what the key is, and what it is for.Later on, Aster suddenly appears while a confused Jaden is talking to Hassleberry in the Red Dorm about a strange key that he got from Sartorius the previous night. Aster remarks that the key is very important and that the fate of the world rest with the key. Aster shows Jaden his key which astonishes Jaden, Aster states that he will protect the key and instructs Jaden to do the same in which Jaden concurs.

At Duel Academy through the course of the ongoing Genex Tournament an iconic scene soon takes place, Aster Phoenix is confronted by Zane, who had taken a crushing and demoralizing loss to Aster Phoenix in the Pro League and in front of the world. Aster is the reason that Zane had become hell-bent and a madman in the first place. As Zane only angrily stares at Aster, Aster in a scoffingly manner states that he had heard that Zane had went through changes and further taunts Zane by asking if Zane's lost to him was to much for Zane. Aster then ask if Zane wants to Duel against him in the heat of revenge which Aster then activates his Duel Disk, Zane's only reply is his thoughts on revenge then a large gust of wind erupts between the two. Before such a Duel can take place, Aster is interrupted by Syrus who begs Aster not to Duel his brother, Syrus then decides to be Zane's opponent. Aster explains to Syrus about Zane's inept of pride and remarks that he doesn't mind if Syrus wants to Duel Zane.

In Zane's and Syrus's Duel Aster denotes Zane's drastic change, from going from the that Zane who Dueled with pride before to the Zane that is was now completely devoid of it, and witnesses Syrus's loss to his brother.

Later while the ongoing Genex Tournament continues, Aster engages in a Duel with a Pro League Duelist with both wagering each others Decks, Aster harshly defeats the Pro Duelist easily knocking him out in the process. Aster proceeds to make due on his side of the promise and takes the Pro's Deck as wagered yet after he sifts through the Deck he is angered to not find what he was searching for, stated only as the Ultimate D. Aster, in a fit off rage tosses and discards the Pro Duelist's Deck throughout the surrounding area, he then in a perturb fashion recalls that whichever Duelist possesses this Ultimate D is the culprit he is looking for and is responsible for his father's attack. Aster goes on relentlessly defeating various Pro League Duelist in search for the Ultimate D and its possessor. Aster remembers Sarina's words after defeating her that Sartorius was the last one in contact with the card, he furiously rushes the new white dorm to have a word with Sartorius only to be hindered from entering by the brainwashed students.

While on his yacht, Aster is there to watch the Pro League's World Title Duel between the Pro Leagues reining champion and Aster's father The D who has been dominating the League for ten years and is the man who stands at the top of the Dueling world Duel against the contender Doctor Collector. While watching The D head toward the stadium, Aster remembers back when a younger Jables who was still Duel Monsters World Champion at the time introduced himself to Aster. Jables recognized the future genius Duelist's ability for Dueling and invited Aster to catch up to him in which Aster promised to do so. Regarded and renowned as the king of kings. , The D lives up to his reputation and fends off Dr. Collector, he soon falls under the possessive state of a malevolent being of light which prepares the Summon the "Ultimate D" that Aster has been looking for but the broadcast is disrupted before its Summon due to the entity's sheer power. Immediately after the events, Aster calls The D to check if his foster father and legal guardian had made it out of the stadium safely. Aster finally gets answer from The D, only for The D in front of a destroyed stadium to calmly express how it had been a long time and that his ship will be near Duel Academy soon and that he looks forward to seeing Aster before ending the call.

Aster is seen next piloting his yacht, towards The D's massive private luxurious cruise ship. Once on board, Aster finally encounters The D and asks him about the results of his Pro League Duel with Dr. Collector and if he had won only for The D to quickly change the atmosphere of the conversation when he announces that he won but that Collector is dead. The D angers Aster when he mentions defeating Dr. Collector with the "Ultimate D" then proceeds to trap Aster on the cruise then explains that only doors that Aster can exit from is the one behind Aster and the one behind The D himself but that the door behind Aster will not open. Aster questions The D on why he is doing this in which The D answers that it is because of their promise that The D and Aster made to each other in the past for Aster to have a Title Duel against him and that The D himself has kept is side of the promise by retaining his title and status as World Duel Monster's Champion. The D then abhorrently displays the back "Ultimate D" card that Aster had been searching for so long in front Aster then unhesitatingly admits that he is the one who killed(kidnapped in the English Dub) Aster's father.

When Aster inquires on why The D had done this, The D simply states that his greed for the glory and prestige of a Pro Duelist and his selfishness of wanting to become a legend were his reasons, The D even goes so far as to state that any Duelist would do it to win. The D explains that it was thanks to Aster that he was able to find out that Aster's father worked for Industrial Illusions and that he was developing a secret card that The D states he would do anything to get. The D describes the loathsome details of breaking into Aster and his father's residence only to be caught red-handed by Mr. Phoenix where The D misunderstands Mr. Phoenix's words that the "Ultimate Destiny" card not being an ordinary card. The malevolent being inhabiting the card possesses The D and attacks Aster's father. The D goes on to tell Aster that only fortune and victory came of him after stealing the Ultimate D from Aster's father as he gained a big sponsor and began a streak of only victories in the Pro League thanks to the card, he soon became the Duel Monsters Champion of the world and next King Of Games and that he has kept the position for ten long years.

Aster, exasperated by The D's statement denies The D's confession, wanting to know why would The D become Aster's father and legal guardian after committing such acts, The D apathetically explains that he deceived Aster in order to keep track on the police investigation into his crime and to avoid suspicion which riles Aster. Aster, irked by The D's confession calls his acts disgraceful and selfish but The D only denies Aster's judgement and remarks that he wanted to see if he was the chosen one, The D then relates history's legendary figures of committing some sort of sin to achieve their goals then remarks that he is the legend and chosen one who stands before Aster now. Aster immediately reveals to The D that hes lost his mind but The D does not listen and disparages Aster by calling him a "commoner". Aster, visually irritated, denounces The D and accepts his Duel.

Aster, despite facing the King of Games himself prepares to end The D and avenge his father. The Duel begins and Aster sets up an incredible lead as always as he not only activates Clock Tower Prison but Summons his strongest Destiny Hero, Dogma, while in addition to such an already powerful move Aster activates Destiny Hero Diamond Dude to put Destiny Draw one turn into his future. The D himself stands very impressed but notes that Aster had used all the cards in his hand for the move. The D even shows calm demeanor of the situation at hand even though he is surrounded by Aster's Clock Tower Prison. Aster remarks that The D is the strongest World Champion ever and that only he himself knows The D's real strength but even so Aster says that he will win the Duel between them. Aster, as usual already takes the Duel under his control as during The D's next standby phase Dogma slashes The D's Life Points in half, in addition to losing half his Life Points, the wheel of destiny begins to spin as Aster's Clock Tower Prison hands move to three O' clock. Asters suspicions are confirmed when The D creates three sacrifices in order to Summon the Ultimate Destiny Card Destiny HERO - Plasma.

Destiny Hero Plasma, the Ultimate Destiny Card is Summoned putting Aster in awe of it and for a very powerful reason as The D uses Plasma to absorb Aster's strongest Destiny Hero, Destiny Hero Dogma, gaining half of Dogma's attack points and Dogma's effect. Destiny Hero Plasma attacks Aster, changing the tide of the Duel and doing substantial damage to his Life Points while also causing Aster to realize that Plasma's attack inflicted real damage towards him and that this is a Shadow Duel. Phoenix rises again, and assures to the overconfident The D that The D will lose to him. The D further destabilizes things as he activates another extremely powerful "Destiny Card" where he places at the top of his Deck against Aster called D - Force, when D Force is activated a powerful white entity engulfs The D and Plasma and is revealed to be inhabiting The D who tells Aster to not fear demise as it states that "everything" else will also soon end and that Aster will only be one of the early few. Aster is soon dealt the ability of Dogma that was absorbed through Plasma, cutting Aster's own Life Points in half while a conceited D only taunts Aster in full show of his power. Aster replenishes his hand by drawing two cards due to the effect of Destiny Draw that he put into motion one turn in the past. Aster also soon finds out that Plasma is even more trouble than initially, when he Summons Destiny Hero Doom Lord and tries to use Doom Lord's effect to send Plasma two turns into the future but Doom Lord fails as D Force makes Plasma immune to all monster effects.

While D Force makes Destiny Hero Plasma unaffected by Doom Lord's effect and Clock Tower Prison's hands move to six o' clock The D continues to taunt Aster by saying that Aster can keep using the power of his Destiny Heroes that control future itself but that Aster himself is stuck in the past. The D goes on to taunt Aster stating that he hasn't changed since his father died and that Aster is the same boy he was back then, The D then freezes time by skipping his own standby phase with Drain Time therefore temporary stopping Clock Tower Prison from activating. With another attack from Plasma and Aster realizing that Plasma is unaffected by all card effects, a still possessed The D continues to provoke Aster by thanking Aster's late father for Plasma whose demise The D was directly responsible for. Aster is soon bid farewell by the overly presumptions D, confident that he stopped Aster's Clock Tower Prison field spell from advancing time The D tells Aster to die and to join his father before launching another attack with Plasma.

Unfortunately for The D, the last attack he launches with Plasma doesn't phase Aster as Aster stands unaffected when the attack disperses. A flustered D becomes even more confused upon the situation and even shows that he activated "Dust Tornado" to destroy Aster's Clock Tower Prison in addition to try and seal a victory, Aster simply explains in a smirking manner that he thwarted The D. During The D's last attack with Plasma, Aster reveals that he placed two clock counters on Clock Tower Prison with Eternal Dread therefore moving Clock Tower Prison's hands to twelve as a result when The D activated and destroyed the clock tower with "Dust Tornado" he was able to Summon one of his strongest Destiny Heroes, Destiny Hero Dreadmaster that ultimately guarded him from Plasma's attack. The D remains greatly confounded as "Plasma" should've have been unaffected by Aster's "Dreadmaster" thanks to that "D Force" is at the top of his Deck but unfortunately for The D, Aster continues to reveal that he activated "Greed Pact" that made both The D and Aster draw one card from their Decks removing "D Force" that was at the top of The D's Deck and therefore removing Plasma's invulnerability. Aster activates Destiny Hero Dreadmaster's effect which specials Summons two Destiny Hero monsters from his graveyard in which Aster Summons "Destiny Hero Diamond Dude" and "Destiny Hero Captain Tenacious" back to his field in defense mode. The D reactivates "D Force" placing it back at the top of his Deck and then proceeds to activate the "Unfair Judge" spell card that allows him to not only attack again but to attack all of Aster's newly Summoned Destiny Heroes succeeding in destroying them with "Plasma". At the event of seeing his Destiny Heroes destroyed by the "Ultimate Destiny Card" his father created for him furthermore it being used by the very man responsible for his father's undoing Aster briefly becomes slightly discouraged, but the sudden voice of his father who prompts him to not forget the true power of the Destiny Heroes snaps Aster out of this brief train of thought and reminds him of the power his Destiny Heroes possess over time itself. Aster draws, ultimately his Destiny Heroes reward him with Destiny Hero Dark Angel that causes him to remember first inheriting it. When Aster first received Destiny Hero Dark Angel when he was younger he noticed that it did not have much attack and defensive capabilities and pondered its use, but Aster quickly discerns Dark Angel's use and why his father created it.

Aster realizes that his father before his passing developed "Dark Angel" as part of a weakness to "Destiny Hero Plasma" that was inhabited by a powerful malicious entity. Aster activates "Dark Angel" thus discarding it to activate his effect in which it places itself at the top of the opponents Deck therefore stopping "D Force" from affecting "Plasma". With "Plasma" no longer invincible, Aster ingenuously activates his "Dark City" field spell so that any Destiny HEROes he controls gain one thousand "ATK" points" when they attack a monster with higher "ATK" points. Aster proceeds to Summon his Destiny Hero Celestial and uses him to attack "Plasma" in which Celestial's effect activates destroying an opponents equip card and inflicting 500 points of damage to that opponent. Destiny Hero Dogma that was equipped to Destiny Hero Plasma is destroyed and The D takes damage both due to Celestial's effect bewildering a previously smug D. Aster allows The D some time to prepare himself before he ends him, in desperation The D divulges to Aster that  although he hasn't used "Plasma" in an official Duel that he has used "Plasma" to take the souls of Duelist he defeated in Underground Dueling, The D then as a last resort shows Aster the many souls sealed in "Plasma" including Doctor Collector and the soul of Aster's very own father.Aster's father emerges, glad to see his son he expresses on how Aster has grown but The D mischievously uses the situation as a means to stop Aster from attacking him. Aster's father conveys regret for creating "Plasma" and explains to Aster that he could speak with the malicious entity inhabiting it called The Light of Destruction in production of the card.

Mr. Phoenix goes on to state that the temptation to create "Plasma" was equal to Maximillion Pegasus's temptation to create the Egyptian God Cards but that it was a mistake as he had to hide the card because of its extreme supernatural power just as Maximillion Pegasus had to seal away the God Cards for their supernatural dangerous power. Aster's father also tells Aster that the Light of Destruction that The D is using is only a shell, and that the complete power of the light is to completely control other beings for a specific purpose. Finally, Mr. Phoenix adds that if the light controlling Sartorius isn't stopped it will bring ruin to the world. Aster's father then request for his son to defeat The D and "Plasma" which will also avenge Aster and himself. Aster hears his father's words which trigger a quick flash of peaceful memories that Aster had with his father when still young as "Celestial" charges "Plasma". "Destiny HERO Celestial" attacks, since Celestial's ATK points are lower than Destiny HERO Plasma's ATK points "Celestial" gains one thousand ATK points due to the effect of "Aster's "Dark City", "Celestial" destroys "Plasma" and The D is dealt exact and perfect damage equal to the difference between the both of their monsters, just as Aster promised The D before the Duel started, Aster wins.

With one last flash of his father who tells him goodbye, Aster wins and The D is left defeated, but because the Duel between Aster and The D was not officially done in the Pro League Aster does not become the world's next King Of Games. Aster's defeat of The D causes The D to faint and the light inhabiting "Destiny Hero Plasma" is vanquished but in parallelism to its name, The Light of Destruction's destruction, causes it to destruct, causing massive destruction and setting the massive yacht ablaze. In the midst of the fire, Aster picks up the fallen "Ultimate Destiny Card" "Destiny HERO Plasma". The D awakens, having gone mad and still seeing himself as a legend and a chosen one he is engulfed in the fire in front of Aster. As Aster takes his leave, a helicopter appears accommodated by Chancellor Sheppard who lowers the ladder. Aster, carried away by the helicopter witnesses a huge explosion that destroys most of rest the ship having dealt with The D and fully avenging his father

Afterwards, Aster breaks into Obelisk Blue and corners Sartorius in the Society of Light's private Duel Field. As a child, he promised his friend that he would save him from his destiny of becoming a destroyer, but he was not certain how he would do so when the time came. He considers giving up the key to the laser satellite that was handed to him by Sartorius’s good personality, but Jaden intervenes and tells him its true purpose. Recognizing the present Sartorius is The Light of Destruction posing as his lost companion, Aster wagers the key in a Duel. He soon finds fate within the Duel isn't under his control as usual, as Sartorius's "Arcana Force" monsters stop their own rotations to put Aster in a difficult situations. Eventually, the good-hearted Sartorius appears before him, and the two offer one another support. Aster, aided by the spirit of the good Satorius tells him that he can change his fate. They utilize their destiny-surpassing friendship and make an incredible counter attack by Summoning "Destiny HERO - Plasma" and attacking the possessed Sartorius directly twice, which would have won Aster the Duel if the former had not intervened. Pushed into a corner, The Light of Destruction uses its last cards to bring forth "Arcana Force EX - The Light Ruler." "The Light Ruler" engulfs the field in light and destroys "Plasma." Aster is then kidnapped by Sartorius still possessed by The Light of Destruction, who ransoms him in return for Jaden's remaining key. This fails, and Aster is freed shortly.

Dimension World
At the beginning of the third year, Aster stops by Duel Academy to see Jesse Anderson's Crystal Beast monsters. In the past, after winning a tournament sponsored by Industrial Illusions, Aster conversed with Maximillion Pegasus himself, who told him that Aster is fourth out of his top five favourite Duelists, the others before him being Yugi Muto, Seto Kaiba, and Joey Wheeler. When Aster asked who the fifth was, Pegasus told him it was Jesse Anderson, a young Duelist who while participating in a European competition was chosen by the Crystal Beasts. Pegasus then went on to explain that he awarded Jesse the cards as they had chosen him.

Along with Dr. Eisenstein, Aster makes contact with Jaden and company, telling them that the "Rainbow Dragon" card is needed in order to transport Duel Academy back to its original place. After Duel Academy returns he and Zane find Jaden and the others trying to open the fourth dimension to search for Jesse, who is stuck in the alternate dimension. However, they get too close and are sucked into the dimension as well. He and Zane are separated from the others and travel on their own. They re-unite with Syrus (who is in danger at that time), Zane Summons his "Cyber End Dragon" and saves Syrus but they are forced to split up again. After Jaden's descent into darkness, they work against The Supreme King by defeating the Supreme King's minions and buying Axel Brodie time to confront the King himself. When Adrian Gecko teleports him and the others to another alternate dimension, he Duels Adrian after seeing him cruelly treat Echo. Early in the Duel, he deduces correctly that Adrian is trying to complete "Exodia," and he thus limits their hand sizes to four, but this inadvertently allows Adrian to unleash "Exodius the Ultimate Forbidden Lord." Adrian, even after being knocked down by Aster's monsters, uses Echo as a live sacrifice and extracts her soul as tribute for "Exodius," which he then uses later to send the "Exodia" pieces to the Graveyard, winning him the Duel and releasing Exodia. Aster decides to protect his friends and slows down Exodia with "Destiny HERO - Plasma" while he shields everyone from the blast. As his Life Points slowly decrease, Aster orders Zane to get to everyone out of the cave, then "Exodia" launches an attack which causes a huge explosion. He is later seen revived along with everyone else who perished in the Duel Spirit world in the alternate dimension.

Darkness
Doctor Crowler arranges for Chazz Princeton to train under Aster as an apprentice for the Pro League. Despite being an excellent assistant, Chazz loses the Final D-Card guarded by Aster, and Chazz then loses a Duel against Jaden on purpose on Mike's orders, thus Aster is forced to retire. Mike then sets up a Duel between Chazz and Aster to determine which of them retires. Before the Duel, Aster visited an orphanage that he funded, observed by Chazz. Mike had threatened to have it torn down if Aster didn't agree to the Duel - and lose - under the premise that he was jealous of Chazz's new popularity. As the Duel began, Aster quickly brought out "Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster" against Chazz's "Masked Dragons". Chazz calls out two copies of "Armed Dragon LV5" and then evolved them into Armed Dragon LV7s". Aster was impressed, and told Chazz that he'd become an opponent worthy of defeating, but Mike contacted them, telling Aster to end it there. Before the Duel could progress further it is revealed by Jaden that Mike stole the card, and Aster is thus allowed to remain in the league. After failing to defeat Chazz with "Destiny HERO - Plasma," he brings out the Final D-Card, "Destiny End Dragoon," but Chazz is able to destroy it with his own ultimate monster, "Armed Dragon LV10," then finish Aster off with an attack from his ace, "Ojama Yellow." Aster promises he'll defeat him in return one day, but he urges Chazz to accept the support of his new fans.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's
Blister describes to Yusei (English dub only) how he was offered a contract from KaibaCorp to go into Professional Dueling. The deal would have given him chances to Duel with Jack Atlas, Aster Phoenix and Truesdale (It is not stated if this meant Zane Truesdale or Syrus Truesdale).

Manga
Aster's photo appeared on a file in the hands of Principal MacKenzie. Though he is still a student at the American Duel Academy, he also competes professionally.

Mishmash
Aster originally played a Deck constructed with cards from eight random Booster Packs. While mostly an unsorted group of cards, this Deck had a few key cards to Summon and make use of "Archlord Zerato". Most of the cards in this Deck were from the Ancient Sanctuary expansion of the TCG/OCG.

Hero
Aster’s true Deck is a "Hero" Deck consisting of "Elemental Heroes" and "Destiny Heroes". Some of his "Elemental Hero" tactics are similar to Jaden's, though some use alternate artwork versions. After his loss to Jaden's "Neo-Spacians", Aster seemingly ceased to use his "Elemental Heroes" and focused exclusively on "Destiny Heroes", other than using one support card while teaming with Jaden.

After acquiring "Destiny Hero - Plasma", Aster makes it the centerpiece of his Deck in honor of his father. Aster later acquires "Destiny End Dragoon", a Fusion Monster designed by the Senrigan Group.