Bonus Chapter
Morning sunlight filtered lazily through the curtains, washing Alexander's bedroom in soft golden light. The first rays painted long streaks across the floor, illuminating scattered notebooks, Duel Monsters cards resting on his desk, and the jacket he'd carelessly tossed over the chair the previous evening.
For several quiet seconds, he simply lay still.
His body felt heavy but not to an unbearable extent, just enough that every muscle reminded him of yesterday's battle.
Alexander slowly opened his eyes before letting out a quiet groan.
The soreness remained.
It wasn't nearly as overwhelming as it had been the previous evening, but every deeper breath caused a faint ache to spread across his chest and shoulders, lingering evidence of the Shadow Duel that had pushed both body and spirit close to their limits.
"Better..." The word came out barely above a whisper.
He was not fully recovered, far from it, but definitely improving.
Doctor Harris had predicted several weeks before he would feel anything resembling normal again.
Alexander couldn't help smiling to himself as his enhanced physique was already proving that estimate overly cautious.
Whatever changes the YGO System's Spirit Energy Awakening and his regularly increasing Ba had made to him, accelerated recovery was rapidly becoming one of the benefits he appreciated most.
As he was lying on the comfy bed, he suddenly remembered hearing the chime of the System after defeating Shadow Ghoul, but he was so exhausted and tense that he forgot to check what it was, so he quickly called up the YGO System's interface and soon the last message appeared in front of him.
[Ding!]
________________________________
[Victory Registered]
[Opponent: Shadow Ghoul]
[Reward Granted]
• Duel Points (DP): +15
• Duel Energy (DE): +15
_________________________________
Seeing that, Alexander almost whistled out loud and for a brief moment he wished to take part in a few more Shadow Games, but then the pain and soreness of yesterday's encounter with Shadow Ghoul quickly restrained that urge.
After lingering in bed another minute, he climbed to his feet.
The hot shower helped loosen muscles that still protested every movement. Steam filled the bathroom as he stood beneath the water longer than usual, allowing the warmth to work away the lingering stiffness. By the time he dressed in his academy uniform, he felt considerably more like himself.
Still sore, still tired, but functional, and that was enough.
~~~▽~~~
Downstairs, the familiar aroma of fresh coffee and breakfast greeted him.
Roland was already waiting in the dining room with his usual impeccable posture. Despite the early hour, not a single wrinkle disturbed his suit, "Good morning, Master Alexander."
Alexander smiled and greeted back, "Morning, Roland."
"How are you feeling today?"
"A lot better."
Roland gave a subtle nod, "I'm glad to hear that."
Breakfast proceeded in the comfortable silence that had gradually become routine between them.
Neither man felt obligated to constantly fill the room with conversation as the quiet morning was familiar to them.
Forks and knives gently clicked against porcelain while the morning news played softly on the nearby television. Alexander was halfway through his eggs when the anchor's voice caused him to glance upward.
"...Breaking news this morning. Doctors across Los Angeles have confirmed that every child and teenager affected by the recent unexplained coma cases regained consciousness overnight..."
Alexander set his fork down.
The television shifted to footage from outside several hospitals. Parents embraced children they had feared they might never see awake again. Doctors looked relieved, exhausted and thoroughly bewildered.
"...Medical staff have described the recoveries as nothing short of miraculous. While all patients appear physically healthy, authorities report that none of them remembers the circumstances surrounding their collapse..."
Another scene showed reporters questioning police officers.
The officers admitted there was still no explanation, no suspects, no known cause, no medical precedent and as such, they heavily implied that they suspect Mutant activities as the main reason behind such a strange case, even if they didn't outright spell that out.
Alexander watched quietly until the segment ended, then, almost unconsciously, a small smile appeared on his face as he commented, "It worked."
Roland followed his gaze toward the television, "It would appear the Penalty Game truly restored everything that had been taken."
Alexander nodded once and agreed, "It seems so."
The simple confirmation brought a quiet sense of satisfaction as yesterday hadn't merely been another victory. Thanks to him, people had been saved, real people.
Children who would now wake up believing they'd simply experienced an unexplained illness instead of becoming victims of a Duel Spirit that existed beyond ordinary human understanding.
That outcome alone made everything worthwhile.
For several moments, neither spoke, then Roland broke the silence, "It is fortunate they remember nothing."
Alexander remained thoughtful before he said, "Uhm... I'm not entirely convinced it was fortune."
Roland turned toward him and asked, "You believe there was another reason?"
Alexander leaned back slightly, thinking through his own theory before saying, "If I had to guess..."
His fingers tapped lightly against the edge of the table as he explained, "When Shadow Ghoul drained their Spirit Energy and Ba... It probably did more than simply steal it."
Roland listened attentively while Alexander continued, "The Ba isn't just spiritual power. It's also closely tied to consciousness, thus to memories and identity. If Shadow Ghoul intentionally lightly damaged that connection... it could have erased the victims' memories of itself."
He paused briefly before he added, "Not permanently, as a person Ba is both fragile but also surprisingly resilient, just enough to ensure no one could identify what attacked them."
Roland frowned slightly before he commented, "That's an intelligent precaution."
Alexander sighed quietly and added, "And a malicious one."
At the same time, he thought, 'I doubt Shadow Ghoul possessed the sophistication to understand human psychology. But instinct and self-preservation? Those are another matter entirely. Predators evolved ways to avoid detection, and perhaps Duel Spirits aren't so different. Fortunately, the damage appears shallow enough that once their Spirit Energy returned, everything else naturally recovered alongside it. At least... This remains my current hypothesis. Whether it proves completely accurate is another question entirely.'
Not long afterwards, they finished their breakfast and left the mansion before Roland drove them toward Promethean Academy.
Morning traffic flowed steadily through Los Angeles. Commuters hurried toward work. Students crossed intersections carrying backpacks almost as large as themselves. Delivery trucks rumbled past while storefronts slowly opened for business beneath the growing warmth of the Californian sun.
Everything looked ordinary.
Alexander rested one elbow against the window.
Only twelve hours earlier, a part of reality itself had engulfed into a Shadow Game and entire city blocks had unknowingly existed beside what could be described as a small piece of the Spirit World while children had hovered on the edge between life and death. And now life simply continued with no panic, no emergency broadcasts, no public awareness, just another Thursday morning.
He couldn't help smiling while thinking, 'Perhaps... That is for the best. As they say sometimes ignorance is a blessing, especially when the world isn't ready yet for the truth.'
~~~▽~~~
Classes resumed exactly as they always did.
Mathematics. History. Literature.
Normally, Alexander found himself impatient during lectures, his thoughts drifting toward his plans for Industrial Illusion, the expansion of Duel Monsters, and the upcoming events and tournaments he was organising.
Today was different.
The ordinary routine felt strangely comforting, as there was something reassuring about solving equations instead of fighting supernatural monsters, something peaceful about discussing historical events instead of ancient Magic from another reality.
Even listening to classmates complain about homework somehow felt refreshing. Life had returned to normal, or at least as normal as his life ever became.
Lunch break arrived before long.
Alexander joined Chuck and Ginny beneath one of the academy courtyard's shaded tables.
Chuck had apparently spent the entire morning thinking about exactly one thing, Spring Break.
"I've already got everything planned." He grinned with the confidence of someone who absolutely should not have been trusted with planning anything before he said, "Trust me. I know exactly where we're going."
Ginny slowly raised an eyebrow and quipped, "That's exactly what worries me. Julia told me that most of your dates become improvised adventures as you end up in part of the city you didn't even know existed"
Chuck placed one hand dramatically over his chest, "I am deeply offended."
Alexander laughed quietly and added, "I'll believe your navigation skills when we actually reach the beach."
Chuck immediately pointed toward him, "Et tu, Lex?"
"You got lost driving to the comic shop."
"That happened one time."
"You asked a child for directions."
"He looked trustworthy."
Ginny shook her head and commented, "He was waiting for his mom to pick him up."
"He knew the neighbourhood."
Alexander and Ginny exchanged amused glances. Somehow Chuck always managed to defend even his most questionable decisions with absolute confidence.
Eventually the conversation shifted toward Duel Monsters.
Chuck eagerly described several card combinations he wanted to test.
Ginny discussed a few recent trades she'd managed during the weekend.
Chuck, naturally, insisted he still deserved a rematch after their previous duel, "You got lucky."
Alexander smiled and said, "I believe that's the third time you've called it luck."
"Because statistically speaking, eventually I'll be right."
"You also said that after the second duel."
"And I'll keep saying it."
For nearly half an hour, Alexander simply enjoyed being an ordinary teenager spending time with friends arguing over trading cards.
The afternoon passed with similar ease.
Assignments, discussions, teachers reminding everyone that Spring Break did not excuse unfinished homework.
By the time the final bell rang, students poured into the hallways with noticeably lighter moods.
As always, Alexander, Chuck, and Ginny naturally gravitated toward the Chess Club.
The room looked much as it always had. Officially, it remained dedicated to chess, but unofficially nearly every table had become another Duel Monsters arena. Only a handful of students were actually playing chess. Most had decks spread across tabletops while animated discussions filled the room.
Alexander spent more time observing than participating.
He occasionally offered advice when someone struggled with deck construction, suggested alternative strategies, and pointed out useful card interactions newer players had overlooked.
Watching their excitement as their decks gradually improved proved surprisingly satisfying.
He didn't need to duel himself to enjoy the atmosphere; simply being part of it was enough.
Eventually, club hours ended.
The familiar trio left the academy together beneath the warm afternoon sun.
The parking lot buzzed with students climbing into cars or waiting for rides home.
Chuck glanced toward his watch before suddenly freezing as he exclaimed, "Uh... Oh!"
"What?"
"Julia's going to kill me if I'm late."
Ginny laughed and said, "You deserve it."
"I haven't even done anything!"
"You exist."
"...Harsh."
Alexander chuckled as Chuck hurried toward his car with exaggerated panic.
A moment later, the vehicle disappeared from the parking lot considerably faster than Alexander considered advisable.
Together, he and Ginny approached the familiar black sedan waiting near the curb.
Roland stepped forward and opened the rear door while greeting them, "Good afternoon."
"Afternoon, Roland," Ginny replied cheerfully.
Her house came first.
The drive passed pleasantly, mostly revolving around Chuck's complete confidence in his own driving and navigation ability.
Alexander privately suspected everyone else possessed considerably less confidence, and even Roland's expression suggested he silently agreed.
Once Ginny safely entered her home after waving goodbye, Roland pulled smoothly away from the curb.
Silence settled comfortably inside the sedan.
Only the steady hum of the engine accompanied them for several minutes, then Roland finally spoke, "I have a small report regarding Industrial Illusions."
Alexander looked up and said, "I'm listening."
"Everything is proceeding according to schedule. The latest production targets have been met. Our expansion plans remain unaffected. The tournament circuit is also quite a success, with over one hundred participants in each event hosted."
Alexander nodded approvingly and commented, "Good."
Then Roland continued, "I also made use of several personal contacts."
Alexander blinked and asked, "You did? For what?"
"I requested that any unusual incidents resembling this month's events be quietly brought to my attention. I believed it prudent to be ready and aware in the case another Duel Spirit decided to act out."
Alexander smiled and said, "You're right. Thank you."
Roland inclined his head slightly and added, "Thus far... Nothing. No unexplained disappearances. No similar attacks. No comatose victim. Nevertheless, I shall continue monitoring the situation."
"I appreciate it."
Alexander meant that having someone else capable of quietly watching for supernatural activity lifted a burden he hadn't fully realised he was carrying.
Another minute passed, then Roland spoke again, "I have been considering something."
Alexander looked toward him as he asked, "How common do you believe rogue Duel Spirits truly are?"
Alexander thought carefully before answering, "Honestly... I don't know."
The admission surprised even him as he thought, 'I have encountered numerous Duel Spirits since gaining access to the YGO System and the Spirit World. Some had welcomed me, others challenged me, a handful had proven openly hostile, yet the overwhelming majority eventually became cooperative.'
At the same time, he said, "They're surprisingly practical."
Roland glanced toward him through the rear-view mirror.
Alexander smiled sheepishly and added, "Most Duel Spirits I met became much more cooperative after I defeated them and connected them to prototype cards."
Roland blinked once and muttered, "...You defeated them."
Alexander coughed awkwardly and said, "Several required... let's say aggressive negotiations."
For the briefest moment, the corner of Roland's mouth lifted as he muttered, "I see."
Alexander continued, "The main reason is that the arrangement benefits both sides. They receive a stable source of Spirit Energy whenever their cards are used. The stronger the bond with their Duelist, the greater the benefit. So remaining connected is usually preferable to wandering freely in the Spirit World."
His thoughts drifted toward Kuriboh, 'The tiny Duel Spirit had never shown even the slightest desire to leave or aversion to our agreement; if anything, Kuriboh actively seeks companionship and is more than happy to be summoned by my side even if I don't actually need anything. Then there is Neos, which is always by my side watching over me like a silent but reliable protector.'
After thinking that, Alexander said, "Shadow Ghoul has been the unusual exception. It never accepted the very favourable arrangement. It remembered our first encounter where I soundly defeated it, and it never truly let go of its grudge."
Roland nodded thoughtfully and commented, "So... Every official card remains connected to the same Spirit."
"Exactly—"
Alexander suddenly stopped as a daring thought came to his mind, then his eyes widened, and he muttered, "...Oh, crap!"
Roland immediately eased off the accelerator as he asked in a tense tone, "Master Alexander? Did you sense anything wrong...? Another Duel Spirit?"
Alexander leaned forward and said, "I've been assuming every Duel Monster card points toward the same Duel Spirit... but that's only true for official cards."
Roland remained silent, waiting for him to further expand that reasoning.
Alexander's thoughts accelerated rapidly as he continued, "But counterfeit cards aren't connected through the System. They don't have any safeguards. They're..."
His expression slowly darkened as he tried to find the best words to describe them, "... Like unmarked gates."
Roland repeated the unfamiliar phrase, "Gates?"
"Gates directly connecting the Spirit World with ours."
Alexander rubbed his forehead, "If the card isn't recognised by the System, then there's nothing guaranteeing which Spirit answers."
He stared out the passing window, "A fake Shadow Ghoul card might attract the Shadow Ghoul I contracted or another Duel Spirit of the same species with similar qualities. After all, the Spirit World is absolutely immense, formed by an incalculable number of dimensions and not all Duel Spirits are unique."
The implications continued unfolding, especially for weaker, more common monsters.
"There could be countless Shadow Ghouls."
Silence filled the vehicle until finally Roland spoke, "That is indeed troubling..."
Alexander nodded and said, "There may already be hundreds, possibly thousands of counterfeit cards acting as completely unregulated gateways for rogue Duel Spirits."
Roland visibly tensed as he realised, "So there may already be hundreds of hostile Duel Spirits."
Alexander immediately shook his head, "Not necessarily."
Roland waited, and soon Alexander explained, "Rogue doesn't automatically mean malicious."
A thoughtful smile crossed Alexander's face as he continued, "Most Duel Spirits aren't like Shadow Ghoul. They simply..."
He searched for the right words before settling for, "...Want a connection. They naturally seek human partners to bond with. Such a bond gives them stability. It allows them to manifest. It lets them share emotions. Without someone to anchor them, they remain confined to the Spirit World."
His thoughts once again drifted toward Kuriboh happily floating around his bedroom, toward Neos standing silently nearby whenever words weren't necessary, toward countless other Spirits that simply wanted companionship rather than conflict.
Once again he reminded his trusted butler, "They're living beings. Some may become dangerous. Others may simply be searching for someone they can trust."
Roland remained quiet for several long moments, then, gradually, his shoulders relaxed, and he muttered, "I see..."
A quiet breath escaped him before he commented, "That is considerably better than hundreds of possible enemies."
Alexander smiled and said, "I thought you might say that."
Outside, Los Angeles continued exactly as it always had. Traffic lights changed. People hurried home from work. Children laughed somewhere beyond the passing sidewalks.
Entire lives unfolded, blissfully unaware that just beyond ordinary perception another world waited patiently beside their own. A world filled not only with monsters but with countless unseen entities, each waiting for the chance to form a bond of their own. A world that, thanks to his actions, is now much closer than before.
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