Synchro Sovereign: Ace of Duel Academy

The lighthouse duel between Syrus and Zane was over. The tension from the crowd that had gathered to watch the spectacle was beginning to dissipate. Ace stood near the edge of the cliff, his platinum blond hair catching the morning sunlight. His expression was unreadable as he observed Syrus being congratulated by Jaden and Alexis, who were all smiles after Syrus managed a tie against Zane.

Ace turned on his heel and began walking away from the scene, his custom duel disk deactivating and folding back into his mechanical watch form.

A familiar, teasing voice chimed in his mind. "What, no congratulations for the little guy? You did put him through hell for this," said Swordsoul of Mo Ye, her tone as playful as ever.

Ace scoffed, his gloved hand brushing his hair back. "It's fine I'll congradulate him later, not to mention Syrus isn't the type who grows without being thrown into the fire. He needed this, and it paid off."

"Paid off, sure," Swordsoul Strategist Longyuan cut in, his voice smooth and calculating. "But tell me, Ace, what's your endgame? You wouldn't invest in someone without a reason. Especially not someone like Syrus."

Ace smirked, the edge of his lips curling. "You're not wrong. I took a gamble on Syrus, and now he's proven he's worth it. Potential is meaningless without cultivation, but loyalty—loyalty is priceless. I've planted the seeds of something greater. He'll see that soon enough."

"Manipulative as always," said Shaman of the Tenyi, her voice laced with amusement. "Just try not to scare the poor kid when you finally make your move."

"Scaring him would be counterproductive," Ace replied, his tone dry.

He glanced back briefly at the group, his cold blue-green eyes narrowing. Syrus had shown heart in his duel, and Ace admired that. But admiration was fleeting. The Romanov mindset was to seize opportunity and wield it as a weapon, and Syrus had unwittingly opened the door for Ace to recruit him into his grander plans.

The next morning, Ace found Syrus in the common area of the Slifer Red dorm, fiddling with his newly improved Speedroid deck. Syrus looked up when Ace approached, his nervousness evident.

"Hey, Ace! Uh, thanks again for everything," Syrus said, standing and giving a sheepish grin. "I—I couldn't have done it without you."

Ace crossed his arms, his imposing figure towering over the shorter duelist. "You've shown potential, Syrus," he said bluntly. "But potential means nothing if you don't continue to improve."

Syrus nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "I'll keep getting better, I promise!"

Ace's expression softened, but only slightly. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a sleek black card. The golden Romanov crest gleamed under the dorm lights.

"What's this?" Syrus asked, staring at the card in awe.

"The Romanov Black Membership Card," Ace explained. "It's more than just a card. It's an invitation."

"Invitation?" Syrus echoed, confused.

Ace's piercing gaze locked onto Syrus's. "I want you to join the Romanov Dueling Agency. It's the premier dueling organization in Russia, and we're expanding internationally. With your recent growth, you could become one of our rising stars. This card grants you access to all Romanov-owned establishments, with benefits that others can only dream of. Discounts, private training facilities, the works."

Syrus blinked, his jaw-dropping. "You—you really think I'm good enough for that?"

Ace leaned closer, his voice lowering. "If I didn't, I wouldn't waste my time. But there's more to this than skill, Syrus. I see loyalty in you. A willingness to grow. That's what I value most."

Syrus hesitated, clutching the card tightly. "I—I don't know what to say..."

"Say yes," Ace said simply.

Later that evening, Ace stood on the balcony of the Ra dorm, gazing out over the island. Swordsoul of Mo Ye appeared beside him in spirit form, her cheerful energy a stark contrast to his brooding demeanor.

"That was smooth," she teased. "But you're still holding back about Jaden, aren't you?"

Ace sighed, his fingers brushing the ring hidden beneath his glove. "Jaden is… different. He's not someone I can control or predict. That's dangerous."

"You think he's a threat?" asked Swordsoul Strategist Longyuan, appearing next to Mo Ye.

"Not yet," Ace replied. "But his first duel spirit isn't Winged Kuriboh. I saw it during the Shadow Game at the abandoned dorm. His eye turned golden and the dark uncontrollable energy was practically pouring out of him."

"And you're sure Syrus is a safer bet?" Longyuan pressed.

Ace smirked. "He doesn't need to be a wild card to be useful. He just needs guidance. With enough time, I'll have his loyalty. Unlike Jaden, Syrus is predictable. Reliable."

Mo Ye folded her arms, looking uncharacteristically serious. "You're playing a dangerous game, Ace. Just don't forget who your real friends are."

Ace turned away, his eyes narrowing. "Friends are a luxury I can't afford. Not yet."

The next week, Ace began personally overseeing Syrus's training. Their sessions were grueling, but Syrus never complained. Ace's duel spirits often appeared during these sessions, offering advice or, in Mo Ye's case, playful banter to lighten the mood.

One afternoon, as Syrus was practicing a combo with his Speedroids, Draco Berserker of the Tenyi materialized, his dark energy crackling.

"He's too soft," Draco growled. "He'll never survive in the pro leagues like this."

Ace nodded. "Which is why we'll break that softness. Not by force, but by sharpening his skills to a razor's edge."

Syrus paused, looking up at Ace. "Did you say something?"

Ace smirked. "Just thinking out loud. Focus on your next move."

The sessions continued, with Ace carefully guiding Syrus's development. By the end of the week, Syrus had not only improved his skills but also gained a newfound confidence.

When the week was over, Ace stood with Syrus at the edge of the academy grounds, watching the sunset.

"You've come a long way, Syrus," Ace said, his tone unusually gentle.

Syrus looked up at him, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thanks, Ace. I couldn't have done it without you."

Ace's smirk returned, but his expression showed a hint of genuine pride. "Don't thank me yet. This is just the beginning. Welcome to the Romanov Dueling Agency."

Syrus nodded, clutching the Romanov Black Membership Card like it was a treasure. For the first time, he felt like he truly belonged.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ace's duel spirits appeared behind him, their glowing forms watching over him like silent guardians.

"You're a snake, Ace," Mo Ye said, her voice tinged with both amusement and admiration. "But you're our snake."

Ace chuckled softly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "And don't you forget it."