TicTac didn't specify if this deck is better at going first or second at the start of the duel
They're generally written "[Cost]: [Effect]." Some keyword abilities (such as equip and crew) are activated abilities and will have colons in their reminder text
Its possible Merfolk still wont have what it takes to be a top tier Pioneer deck, but Cenote Scout is a large upgrade, nonetheless
You look at Sceptile-EX, the un-evolved version, and you're like, "Sleep poison is sort of a mediocre first attack, but it's fine as long as the second attack is good," and the second attack is actually very good
From there, every giant creature you cast at a discount draws you into another giant creature, which you can also cast at a discount, creating a relentless avalanche of monsters