The cafeteria at Duel Academy buzzed with the usual chatter of students enjoying their lunch break. Amidst the sea of blue, yellow, and red blazers, a particular table stood out—not just because of the individuals sitting there, but because of the presence of Ace Romanov. His mere presence commanded attention, his platinum blond hair catching the light as he idly cut into his steak, seemingly oblivious to the many eyes stealing glances his way.
Across from him sat Jaden Yuki, enthusiastically devouring his food, and Syrus Truesdale, nervously picking at his own. Bastion Misawa adjusted his deck as he listened to the ongoing conversation. At the same time, Alexis Rhodes sat beside Ace, her usual composed demeanor slightly undone by the way Ace's presence seemed to draw her attention more often than she cared to admit. Zane Truesdale, the only senior among them, remained quiet as ever. Still, even he occasionally glanced up with mild interest as they talked about recent archtypes and how everyone wants a piece of the new synchro summoning.
Jaden, between bites, was the first to bring up the topic. "So, winter break's coming up. You guys heading home?"
"Of course," Alexis said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I haven't seen my family in months. My father's supposed to be back from his business trips, so it'll be nice to catch up."
"I'll be going home as well," Bastion added. "Got some personal projects to work on, and my family's expecting me."
Zane, still focused on his meal, finally spoke. "I'm staying. There are some dueling agencies I've been looking into. With graduation coming up, I need to start making connections."
Jaden stretched and grinned. "Guess it's just me, Syrus, and Chumley holding down the fort then."
Syrus turned to Ace. "What about you, boss?"
Ace set his knife down, dabbing his mouth with a napkin before responding. "I won't be returning home immediately. I have business in Tokyo and a winter tournament in Domino City. But I will return home for Christmas."
Syrus nodded eagerly. "Do you want me to come with you? I can—"
Ace waved a hand dismissively. "No need. Enjoy the holidays. Consider it a vacation."
As if on cue, Syrus's phone buzzed with a notification. He glanced at it and nearly choked on his food. He coughed violently, his eyes widening as he stared at the screen. "Boss, this… this can't be right…"
Jaden leaned over. "What's up?"
With shaky fingers, Syrus turned his phone so everyone could see the notification. The group collectively leaned in, their eyes scanning the screen.
Ace Romanov has transferred 10,000,000 yen (about 66,840 USD, or 63,740 EURO).
Silence.
"WHAT?!" Jaden almost fell out of his chair. "That's like—a crazy amount of money!"
"Consider it your holiday bonus," Ace said smoothly, returning to his meal as if he had just given Syrus pocket change instead of a sum that could cover several years of rent in Tokyo.
Syrus frantically shook his head. "Boss, this is way too much—"
Ace's cold blue-green eyes flickered with amusement. "I pay my employees well. You've earned it. Use it wisely."
Bastion adjusted his glasses. "That certainly explains why so many people want to work under the Romanovs."
Zane, though typically reserved, gave a small nod of acknowledgment. "Not just the pay. The Romanovs are strict but rewarding. Loyalty goes both ways."
Jaden grinned, nudging Ace playfully. "Yo, Ace, you hiring?"
Ace smirked but didn't dignify the joke with a response.
Winter Break Begins
As the Academy emptied out, Ace boarded his private jet, leaving Duel Academy behind. The luxurious cabin was silent save for the soft hum of the engines and the occasional flicker of holographic displays tracking stock markets and business reports. He leaned back in his seat, eyes closed, enjoying the momentary solitude.
Then, a giggle.
"Awww, Ace, you're lonely without Alexis, aren't you?" Swordsoul of Mo Ye teased, materializing beside him, floating playfully in the air.
Ace cracked one eye open. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Draco Berserker of the Tenyi snorted from the shadows. "Heh. Keep lying to yourself."
Swordsoul Grandmaster - Chixiao chuckled, arms crossed. "It's fine to miss someone, you know."
Ace sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I didn't ask for your opinions."
The spirits ignored him. Swordsoul of Mo Ye grinned. "At least Cyber Petit Angel will keep her company."
The moment she said it, all the spirits burst into laughter.
Ace scowled. "That little winged menace has had it out for me ever since I forced her into Alexis's deck."
Swordsoul Strategist Longyuan smirked. "Maybe she doesn't like the fact that you had us hunt her down for a whole week."
Ace scoffed. "She will thank me eventually. I gave her to a competent duelist."
Shaman of Tenyi chuckled, shaking her head. "You do have an odd way of showing kindness."
Ace waved a hand dismissively, shifting the conversation. "Have you found anything on The Iris Swordsoul yet?"
Silence.
Swordsoul Sinister Sovereign - Qixing Longyuan was the one to answer, his voice low and enigmatic. "Nothing concrete. Only whispers. She exists, but she remains elusive. The last of her appearance is in Tokyo."
Ace exhaled slowly. "Then we keep searching."