The days following the Ancient One's visit settled back into something closely resembling Alexander's usual routine.
School occupied his mornings; Industrial Illusions and his DP and DE farming sessions demanded part of his afternoons, and his evenings were divided between doing homework, studying and reading all the books he slowly gathered, and quietly refining ideas for the future, but there was, however, one noticeable difference, the creation of prototype cards came to a complete halt.
Alexander disliked it.
Every day spent without making progress on the prototypes meant another day before Duel Monsters could continue expanding beyond its current catalogue; still, he had enough experience to recognise the warning signs.
The lingering fatigue wasn't just physical. The bruises had almost completely faded, and the damage left by the Shadow Game had already healed, but the exhaustion rested somewhere deeper on his Ba, basically his mind and soul.
The sensation reminded him of the aftermath of his failed negotiation with one of the stronger Duel Spirits months ago. Creating prototype cards wasn't simply a matter of concentration. The process required him to concentrate on the Blueprints projected into reality, forcing his mind and soul to work in perfect harmony while enduring the pressure of the budding connection, even more so in the case of stronger Duel Spirits and complex Spell and Trap cards. Attempting that while he was still recovering from a Shadow Game would be pointless, as any attempt was fated to fail or even worsen his condition.
Better to lose a week's worth of work than risk making the recovery even longer; besides, Industrial Illusions wasn't going to stop just because he took a short break.
Duel Monsters had already entered full production, with distribution steadily expanding across the country. His role had shifted from personally overseeing every little detail to approving larger decisions and planning for the future, and thanks to Roland overseeing the day-to-day operations, the company could function without needing him every single day.
A few afternoons later, Roland drove him home after school as he always did.
The comfortable silence inside the car lasted several minutes before Roland spoke, "When do you intend to accept the Ancient One's invitation to visit Kamar-Taj?"
Alexander looked away from the window and said, "So you were wondering too."
"I've been wondering since the Ancient One left."
Alexander smiled faintly and commented, "I figured."
Another moment passed before he answered, "I don't plan to go anytime soon."
Roland glanced at him briefly before returning his attention to the road and asked, "May I ask why?"
"There are several reasons." Alexander rested an elbow against the window before he continued, "The obvious one is time. Between school and Industrial Illusions, my schedule is already packed."
Although Duel Monsters had entered full production, the company had reached another critical stage. National expansion required constant oversight, new promotional ideas, future product planning and countless smaller decisions that eventually landed on his desk; leaving everything behind for what was likely months simply wasn't realistic.
"But that's not the real reason."
Roland remained silent and waited until Alexander added, "I don't think I'm ready."
That earned him another glance before Alexander continued, "I've barely scratched the surface of what the System and I can already do."
Duel Spirit summoning/manifestation. The Spirit World. Duel Spirits. Shadow Games. Even now, every answer seemed to produce two new questions.
"The Ancient One invited me to exchange ideas." He chuckled, "Heh... I'm not sure I have enough ideas worth exchanging yet. If anything, I'd probably spend most of my time there asking questions. Questions the Ancient One could likely answer without much effort. So before that... I want to understand my own abilities."
At the same time, he thought, 'I want to know where the System ends and where my own talent begins. What Duel Spirits truly are. How Shadow Games come into existence. There are still too many unknowns. Attending Kamar-Taj now feels strangely premature. Like trying to enrol in university before finishing high school.'
Hearing his reasons, Roland nodded slowly and commented, "I believe that is a reasonable decision. On top of that, the Ancient One didn't seem particularly rushed, and I imagine someone who has guarded Earth for centuries can afford to wait another year."
Alexander laughed and said, "I hope so."
Unable to work on prototype cards, Alexander finally turned his attention toward something he had planned before everything with Shadow Ghoul happened, creating some protective charms for those he cares about.
The idea had crossed his mind only days before the attack, then the Shadow Game happened, and now he finally had both the time and the motivation to do it.
One quiet evening, after finishing his homework, he summoned Mystical Elf into the study.
The familiar glow of the Duel Spirit summoning bloomed inside the study.
Golden motes of light gathered in front of Alexander before slowly taking the shape of a graceful feminine figure. The light lingered for only a heartbeat before dissolving completely, revealing Mystical Elf.
She stood just slightly taller than Alexander, her posture calm and elegant, as though even standing still were a form of meditation. Long golden hair flowed freely down her back, framing delicate features and softly pointed ears, while her eyes remained peacefully closed, lending her an almost sacred serenity. Her pale blue skin contrasted gently against the pristine white and azure robes that draped around her slender frame, their fabric embroidered with intricate silver patterns that caught the light with every subtle movement.
Polished silver armour protected her shoulders and forearms without diminishing her graceful appearance, while an ornate crescent-shaped headdress adorned with deep blue gemstones rested upon her brow like a ceremonial crown. Faint wisps of Spirit Energy drifted around her, giving the impression that the air itself had become calmer simply because she was there.
She greeted him with the same gentle smile as always. "You wished to see me, Master?"
Alexander still wasn't entirely comfortable with the title, yet he didn't show it and said, "I wanted your help in making some more protective charms for my friends."
Understanding appeared in her expression, as that was something they had already done before.
Take common accessories like bracelets, rings, earrings and so on and infuse them with Mystical Elf's power to create small protective charms.
Nothing particularly powerful, just enough to warn against malicious spiritual interference, weaken minor curses, and provide a modest amount of passive protection.
Mystical Elf smiled gently before nodding and saying, "That's a wise precaution."
Alexander smiled back and said, "I thought so too."
Unlike prototype cards, this wasn't something the System could automate, nor did he want it to, as watching Mystical Elf use her Spirit Energy and powers may help him learn more about his own, maybe even replicate it in future.
The process proved far more intricate than Alexander had expected.
Mystical Elf picked up the first bracelet before extending one elegant hand above it. Pale blue Spirit Energy gathered around her fingers, not as a single aura but as countless delicate strands that drifted through the air like silken threads.
Alexander instinctively focused on them with his senses.
At first, the strands appeared almost random, weaving around one another in an impossibly complex dance. The longer he watched, however, the more subtle patterns began to emerge. Each thread followed a precise path, passing through the leather before anchoring itself deep within the material until the bracelet seemed to quietly resonate with the surrounding Spirit Energy.
There was no resistance.
It was as though the bracelet had willingly accepted the enchantment.
"Interesting..." Alexander murmured. "You're not forcing Spirit Energy into the object."
Mystical Elf looked up from her work and smiled. "No. Such an enchantment would be unstable." She gently traced another strand through the bracelet. "Spirit Energy is not meant to be imprisoned. It must become part of the object's nature, however small that change may be."
After a brief moment, Mystical Elf added, "If you want, you can try too, Master. Your current state shouldn't impede you."
Alexander nodded thoughtfully before raising his own hand and focusing his Ba. A thin thread of Spirit Energy answered his call, gathering around his fingertips with practised ease. Carefully, he attempted to imitate the flow he had just observed.
The thread obeyed, for barely a second.
It soon began to waver, requiring constant concentration to maintain its shape before finally dispersing into harmless motes of light.
Alexander let out a quiet sigh.
Mystical Elf regarded him with the same patient expression she always seemed to wear.
"Your control is impressive," she said gently. "Especially for a human."
"But?"
"You are commanding the Spirit Energy."
Alexander blinked.
Mystical Elf rested a hand over her chest. "For Duel Spirits, Spirit Energy is as natural as breathing. We do not command it. We simply guide what is already part of us."
Alexander considered that for a moment before looking back at the bracelet in her hands. The difference sounded subtle, yet it explained everything. Mystical Elf wasn't consciously calculating each movement. Manipulating Spirit Energy was simply instinct to her, refined through countless years of existence.
There was no shortcut to that kind of mastery.
Still, Alexander carefully committed every movement to memory. Whether it took months or years, understanding always began with observation.
One by one, the remaining accessories were imbued with the same delicate enchantment until five ordinary objects carried the faintest trace of Mystical Elf's power. Their protection was intentionally modest, enough to warn against malicious spiritual interference, weaken minor curses and offer their wearers a small measure of safety, but nothing more.
One for Roland. One for his father. One for Chuck. One for Julia. And one for Elizabeth.
Ginny already had hers.
His Christmas present had turned out to be more useful than either of them could have anticipated, and as Alexander examined the finished charms lined across the table, one thought quietly crossed his mind, 'This is the Marvel Universe... People don't need to seek danger; most of the time it is danger finding them instead. If these charms can improve the odds even slightly... Then the DP expense to summon Mystical Elf will be more than worthwhile.'
~~~▽~~~
Roughly a week after suspending prototype creation, Alexander finally felt the lingering fatigue disappear.
The subtle pressure weighing on his thoughts and soul had vanished. His connection to his Ba and Spirit Energy felt stable once more.
After one successful prototype creation confirmed his suspicion, he resumed his normal work schedule without hesitation.
Life settled into its familiar rhythm again until spring Break finally arrived.
Alexander couldn't remember the last time he had looked forward to something so ordinary, just a day at the beach with his friends.
His bag was packed in only a few minutes.
A beach towel. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. A change of clothes. And his deck, because of course someone would eventually suggest playing, probably Chuck.
Satisfied, he changed into a simple blue tank top, cropped jeans and a pair of comfortable running shoes before carrying the bag downstairs.
Roland immediately looked him over and asked, "You packed sunscreen?"
"Yes."
"Towel?"
"Yes."
"Money?"
Alexander patted his pocket, "Yes."
Roland nodded thoughtfully and asked, "Deck?"
Alexander stared at him and asked back, "...Really?"
"I merely wished to be thorough."
Alexander couldn't help smiling, "Yes, Roland. You know I never separate from it."
"Excellent."
The butler looked genuinely satisfied.
Alexander found the exchange oddly amusing.
Months ago, Roland would've been worrying about every possible danger Alexander might encounter outside. Now the concern was still there, but it had changed. Knowing Alexander could summon Duel Spirits if necessary had eased much of that anxiety.
Before either of them could continue, the familiar sound of a car pulling into the driveway echoed outside, followed by a couple of honks, making Alexander comment, "They're here."
Roland gave a small nod and said, "Enjoy your vacation."
"I intend to."
"And no Shadow Duel or other supernatural activity."
Alexander looked away and said, "...I'll try."
Roland immediately recognised that answer for what it was, "I see."
Chuck's car was impossible to miss.
It was a Honda Accord Coupe, but this wasn't what made it impossible to miss, as it was reliable and easy to maintain and a very common choice for a first car, especially for affluent but practical parents.
The real reason was that Chuck repainted the car into a bright orange, basically into Baby Dragon and Thousand Dragon's colour.
Alexander stepped outside and immediately spotted his friends.
Chuck waved enthusiastically from the driver's seat while Julia occupied the passenger side and Ginny smiled from the back.
"Finally, Lex!" Chuck called. "We were beginning to think you'd abandoned us."
"I was being interrogated."
Roland had followed him to the entrance and said, "I was ensuring Master Alexander remembered basic survival necessities."
Chuck laughed, "That's fair."
Alexander waved goodbye before climbing into the car.
The drive toward Santa Monica proved entertaining almost immediately.
Traffic was heavy. The California sun was relentless. Someone rolled down the windows despite the warm air. Music played quietly in the background while conversations drifted between school, Duel Monsters, upcoming exams and completely unrelated nonsense. Then Chuck missed an exit.
"I thought it was this one."
"It wasn't," Julia answered.
"No problem."
Five minutes later Chuck somehow became convinced another road was correct, but it wasn't.
Alexander quietly leaned forward and said, "Chuck."
"Yeah?"
"Have you ever considered buying a map?"
"I have one."
"Then perhaps use it. I fear that if it continues like this, we may end up in another dimension altogether!"
Julia burst into laughter and agreed, "So do I."
Chuck looked genuinely offended, "Hey! I have an excellent sense of direction."
Three simultaneous stares answered him.
"...What?"
Eventually, after another wrong turn and several increasingly sarcastic comments from everyone else, they finally reached Santa Monica.
Chuck declared the journey a complete success, and nobody had the heart to tell him otherwise.
The beach was packed.
Families occupied every stretch of sand. Children chased each other near the shoreline. Umbrellas dotted the coastline in every direction. Music drifted through the warm afternoon air while vendors walked between groups selling drinks, snacks and souvenirs.
Finding an empty spot took considerably longer than expected, but eventually they managed to claim a modest section of sand.
Bags were dropped, shoes disappeared, and beach towels unfolded.
Alexander quickly changed into his swimwear before tossing his clothes into the bag, showing off his carved physique, the result of his daily training, earning more than a few appreciative glances.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Ginny doing the same, and he couldn't help but stare for a moment longer, appreciating her enchanting curves.
Then their eyes met for barely a second before both instinctively looked elsewhere.
Chuck noticed, and Julia noticed a smirking Chuck noticing before an elbow found Chuck's ribs.
"What?"
"You know exactly what."
"I didn't say anything."
"You didn't have to."
The ocean looked inviting, but it lied. All four charged into the water with considerably more confidence than wisdom.
The freezing temperature hit almost instantly.
Alexander stopped mid-step while Chuck yelped, "Damn... It's freezing."
Julia immediately splashed him, making him let out a girly scream before he retaliated but ended up hitting Ginny, thus sparking an all-out war.
Within seconds everyone was laughing.
The next hour disappeared between swimming, splashing each other, floating near the shore and generally behaving exactly as four teenagers on Spring Break were supposed to.
For once there were no Duel Spirits, no business meetings, no supernatural mysteries, just sunlight, saltwater and friends.
Once they had dried off enough, the group wandered toward the pier.
The afternoon passed without any particular goal.
Arcade machines inevitably attracted Chuck. Food stands somehow attracted everyone. Street performers gathered crowds wherever they went.
Cyclists and roller skaters constantly forced them to step aside before continuing their conversations as if nothing had happened.
Alexander found himself appreciating just how fun something so ordinary felt. Sometimes ordinary was exactly what he needed.
Naturally, someone eventually suggested Duel Monsters, and Alexander wasn't even surprised.
They found an empty bench overlooking the ocean before pulling out their Decks. The duels remained casual, more teasing than competition.
Ridiculous draws earned laughter, lucky topdecks produced dramatic celebrations, even losing hardly mattered.
Watching three of his closest friends enjoy a game he had created from nothing brought Alexander a quiet sense of satisfaction.
It was difficult to describe.
The game had become something larger than himself and kept getting bigger, and somehow that made him happier than any sales report ever could.
Throughout the afternoon, Chuck and Julia drifted naturally toward one another, whether sharing food, walking side by side, or exchanging the kind of small, absent-minded gestures that only couples seemed capable of.
Alexander noticed it, and Ginny noticed him noticing it.
"You think they're ever apart?" she asked with an amused smile.
Alexander pretended to consider the question before replying, "Only when forced by the laws of physics."
Ginny laughed.
The conversation continued effortlessly after that.
Nothing particularly important was said, and somehow that made it all the more enjoyable.
By the time the sun began dipping toward the horizon, the four of them found themselves sitting quietly near the beach, watching the waves roll in beneath the orange glow of the setting sun.
Eventually, Chuck broke the silence and said, "We should do this again."
Julia agreed, Ginny nodded, and Alexander leaned back against the sand and smiled while saying, "For sure... Today has been fun."
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