I’m in Marvel, but I play Yu-Gi-Oh!?

Nearly a month had passed since Alexander purchased the knowledge behind Solid Vision Technology, and life, perhaps surprisingly, had settled into a remarkably peaceful rhythm.

No unexpected magical incidents, no troublesome Duel Spirits, no world-ending crises, at least, none that concerned him directly as he read the news that seemingly hinted at some mutant-related issue in the area of North Salem but didn't give too much thought.

After everything that had happened over the previous months, the quiet almost felt unusual. Alexander had caught himself more than once instinctively expecting something to interrupt his day, a mysterious visitor, an impossible phenomenon, another problem demanding immediate attention.

Instead, he attended school, he worked, he played Duel Monsters.

It was normal, a concept that had become surprisingly refreshing.

Victor had eventually told him about the Shadow Game he had experienced several weeks earlier. Fortunately, everything had ended without lasting consequences. The possessed student had recovered, Zoa had been returned to the Spirit World under circumstances Alexander still found rather amusing, and Victor himself had gained yet another fascinating avenue of magical research.

Alexander had listened patiently as Victor enthusiastically dissected every detail of the experience, treating a potentially life-threatening supernatural incident with the same excitement another researcher might reserve for discovering a new species.

Some people, Alexander reflected, truly were born scientists.

Beyond that, life simply continued, and Alexander couldn't honestly say he minded.

Late May had arrived.

The warm California sun lingered longer each evening now, and even the mornings carried the unmistakable promise of summer. Students had long since traded sweaters for lighter clothes, and conversations throughout campus revolved less around assignments and more around vacations, beach trips and plans with friends.

More importantly, today marked the final day of classes before summer vacation.

Industrial Illusion had continued advancing almost exactly according to schedule.

Nationwide distribution was nearly complete, with only one or two remaining states still lacking official Duel Monsters products, and negotiations for those regions had already entered their final stages.

Assuming nothing unexpected occurred, the company would achieve complete national coverage within weeks.

For a business less than a year old, the pace bordered on unbelievable.

From there, Alexander's thoughts naturally drifted beyond American borders, not yet as they should first consolidate their position, but soon, very soon and at that point international expansion would cease being a distant ambition and become an actual objective.

Thomas had already begun laying the necessary groundwork months earlier, acquiring and preparing warehouses, shipping contracts, manufacturing partnerships, and distribution forecasts.

The additional manufacturing facilities no longer existed merely to satisfy demand.

They existed to prepare for the future.

Alexander found himself smiling as it seemed his decision to trust Thomas had been the correct one.

Not once had the older man disappointed him; if anything, Thomas consistently anticipated problems before they became visible.

The competitive scene continued flourishing just as rapidly.

Every month, two or three official Duel Monsters Cups were held across different states.

Attendance steadily increased, and new strategies emerged almost every tournament.

Alexander often found himself reading tournament reports simply to observe how players approached the game without any influence from its creator.

It remained surprisingly educational.

Some competitors had discovered card interactions he had never intentionally designed; others built decks around overlooked monsters that had originally been little more than filler.

Creativity, he had learned, multiplied once thousands of minds began solving the same puzzle.

If current projections held, the official tournaments would reach every state by the end of September.

Perfect timing, as that would leave nearly two full months to promote and organise the Second Duel Monsters Grand Prix.

Unlike the inaugural event, this one would no longer simply introduce Duel Monsters to the masses, but it would celebrate it.

Alexander already suspected the scale would eclipse anything Industrial Illusions had previously attempted.

Larger venues, more competitors, greater prize pools, perhaps even some very important guests, if everything progressed quickly enough.

The thought was exciting.

Other projects progressed more quietly.

Elizabeth Cooper and the legal team continued their campaign against counterfeit cards.

Results remained encouraging but unfortunately so did the counterfeiters.

Popularity inevitably attracted imitation.

It was simply another cost of success.

Each successful lawsuit discouraged dozens of copycats, but new ones always appeared.

Alexander had accepted that victory would never mean eliminating the problem entirely but only staying ahead of it and slowing it down.

Likewise, Roland's recruitment efforts continued moving forward at their characteristically methodical pace.

Every week new names appeared.

Researchers, engineers, material scientists, electronics specialists, but none had yet received an invitation.

Background investigations remained ongoing.

Alexander had no desire to entrust technology decades ahead of its time to the wrong individual.

The knowledge stored inside Solid Vision represented an entirely different category of responsibility.

If that required patience, then patience it would be.

His own routine had changed surprisingly little.

Every few days, Roland still drove him throughout Los Angeles for another round of what Alexander privately referred to as his "farming sessions."

Friendly duels, small hobby shops, local parks, community centres.

The Duel Points and Duel Energy remained valuable, naturally, yet Alexander had gradually come to appreciate another benefit.

Watching ordinary people enjoy Duel Monsters.

Children proudly showing off newly acquired cards. Teenagers passionately arguing over deck construction as though discussing matters of national importance. Parents patiently learning the rules simply to spend time with their children. Owners of local game stores excitedly describing weekend tournaments that attracted more participants every month.

Those experiences taught him things spreadsheets never could.

Every casual duel reminded him exactly who Duel Monsters had been created for, not for corporations but for the people who, like him, truly enjoy the game.

That realisation made every hour spent travelling worthwhile.

Academically, there had never really been any suspense as Alexander achieved perfect scores across every final examination.

The posted grades attracted the predictable amount of attention.

Several students stared.

A few sighed dramatically.

One freshman quietly asked whether getting every answer correct was even legal.

Ginny and Chuck likewise finished the semester with exceptional results, comfortably placing themselves among the strongest students in their respective grades.

"I blame you," Chuck declared while looking over the posted results.

Alexander blinked and asked, "For what...?"

"For raising the average."

Ginny nodded solemnly and added, "You've created unrealistic expectations."

"I fail to see how that affects either of you."

"It doesn't." Chuck sighed dramatically before he continued, "But complaining makes me feel better."

Alexander considered that and, with a small smile, he said, "I suppose there is some psychological value in catharsis."

Ginny immediately pointed at him, "See? He's doing it again."

"He can't help himself."

Alexander frowned ever so slightly and muttered, "I wasn't aware I was doing anything."

"Exactly," Chuck replied, "That's what makes it funny."

Even Alexander couldn't entirely suppress a quiet chuckle.

~~~▽~~~

The atmosphere throughout Promethean Academy barely resembled a normal school day.

Teachers had long since abandoned the idea of introducing new material and instead, classrooms echoed with conversations, laughter and the occasional dramatic Duel Monsters victory.

Some classes watched movies, others played board games. Naturally, more than a few organised impromptu Duel Monsters tournaments instead.

Hallways that normally bustled with students rushing between classes had transformed into leisurely streams of conversation.

Lockers stood open. Backpacks rested against walls. Teachers chatted with students rather than lecturing them. Even faculty members seemed relieved that another school year had reached its conclusion.

Students wandered freely between classrooms carrying yearbooks beneath their arms.

Signatures. Messages. Phone numbers.

Promises to stay in touch during summer vacation.

Alexander quickly discovered that becoming one of the school's most recognisable students came with unexpected responsibilities.

By mid-morning, he had signed so many yearbooks that his hand genuinely began to ache.

High school students, middle school students and even several elementary school children somehow tracked him down.

Some asked for signatures, others wanted deck-building advice.

One particularly serious sixth grader requested that Alexander evaluate his strategy against Dragon decks.

Alexander spent several minutes offering genuine suggestions.

The boy looked as though he had just received life-changing wisdom.

One particularly enthusiastic first grader proudly announced she wanted to become "the next Duel Monsters champion."

Alexander wished her the best of luck.

Her smile alone made the conversation worthwhile.

Ginny eventually rescued him by announcing that Alexander's autograph required prior appointments.

Several younger students looked momentarily horrified.

Alexander quietly reminded her that she had absolutely no authority to establish such rules.

"I know," Ginny replied cheerfully, "But it was too funny to let this opportunity slip."

Chuck laughed and said, "I vote we make it official."

"We should also print little appointment cards."

Alexander simply accepted that he had lost the discussion before it began.

As lunchtime approached, students gradually began clearing out their lockers and desks.

Textbooks. Old notebooks. Pencil cases. Half-forgotten assignments. Entire school years disappeared into backpacks and cardboard boxes.

The atmosphere carried a strange mixture of excitement and nostalgia.

Everyone looked forward to summer, yet everyone also recognised that another year had quietly come to an end.

Teachers exchanged farewells with students they might never teach again. Friends promised to meet over the break.

Some would, some inevitably wouldn't.

Alexander found himself pausing outside one classroom.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating rows of empty desks.

Only about a year ago, he had walked into Promethean Academy carrying little more than an idea. An idea, a handful of plans and knowledge no one else in the world possessed. Now, Duel Monsters had spread across nearly the entire country, and Industrial Illusions employed thousands of people.

Thousands of children played the game every day. Entire communities had formed around something that had once existed only inside his own memories.

It was remarkable how much could change in a single academic year.

Perhaps even more remarkable was how much he himself had changed.

Before leaving campus, Alexander received one final request.

The Principal and Vice Principal hoped he could spare a few minutes.

Alexander naturally accepted.

The meeting proved considerably warmer than he had expected.

The Principal smiled almost the entire time as he said, "I believe congratulations are in order."

Alexander tilted his head and asked, "For what exactly?"

"For changing the future of this school."

The Vice Principal nodded and explained, "Our enrollment applications have nearly doubled. Funding has increased significantly. And..."

He couldn't quite suppress a smile as he continued, "...Certain members of the school board have become considerably more interested in our opinions."

Alexander understood the implication immediately.

Political opportunities. Recognition. Influence.

Success attracted all three.

He smiled and politely said, "I'm glad Promethean Academy has benefited."

The Principal shook his head and corrected him, "Not benefited. Prospered."

He folded his hands together and explained, "You trusted us enough to test your idea here. That idea was very successful, and that success brought more attention to our academy."

Alexander smiled faintly and said, "You trusted me first."

Had the school refused, had they dismissed Duel Monsters as a childish distraction, Industrial Illusions might have developed very differently.

Perhaps not unsuccessfully, but certainly differently.

The Principal chuckled and said, "I think history will remember that decision rather kindly."

"History tends to reserve judgment."

"A fair point."

The three shared a brief laugh, and eventually the Principal extended his hand, "Enjoy your summer vacation, Alexander."

"I intend to."

"And thank you."

Alexander shook it firmly, "No. Thank you."

Outside the school gates, Chuck's car was already waiting.

The afternoon sun reflected brightly from its windshield.

Ginny leaned casually against the passenger door, already looking as though summer vacation had officially begun.

"Took you long enough," Chuck called.

"The Principal detained me."

"Were you being recruited as the new headmaster? Or directly handed over the school."

"No... Not yet."

"Pity." Ginny opened the passenger door, "I think it would have been a good chance to include Duel Monsters in the curriculum."

Alexander considered the possibility, and an idea came to his mind which made him smile and say, "That's not a bad idea... I'd probably reorganise the whole curriculum to revolve around Duel Masters."

Chuck visibly grinned and said, "That's brilliant! Do it! I'd love to have a Duel Academy!"

"Do not encourage him... He might actually create one in future!"

"I would. I already have a general idea..."

"See?"

"I think we'd all graduate in half the time."

"And somehow have twice as many exams," Ginny added.

Alexander chose not to deny the accusation, and that, apparently, answered the question well enough.

Shaking his head with a quiet chuckle, he climbed into the car.

Chuck started the engine.

Their destination wasn't home.

First, they would stop by Julia's school to pick her up before spending the rest of the afternoon together, officially celebrating the beginning of summer.

The familiar buildings of Promethean Academy slowly receded into the distance.

Alexander looked back one final time through the rear window.

For a brief moment, the campus stood bathed in warm afternoon sunlight, filled with students laughing, waving goodbye and beginning their own summer adventures.

His first year of high school had come to an end.

The company continued growing, the future remained full of possibilities, and summer was only just beginning.