Sorry for not updating chapter 2 for so long I tried to publish it but the website keep saying I have network issues so that took a while to fix. But thank you for reading this, this is my first time writing a fan fiction of my own so I hope you guys can keep supporting my work. I will try to publish 1 chapter a day so please enjoy.
Ace Romanov awoke at dawn, his internal clock honed by years of disciplined training. The Slifer Red dorm creaked under his weight as he quietly got dressed in a fitted black tank top and athletic pants. He grabbed his running shoes and slipped out into the crisp morning air.
Jogging through the Duel Academy campus, he appreciated the serene environment—a welcome change from the chaos of professional dueling tournaments. Ace's usual stoic expression softened slightly as he followed a winding trail through the woods, his breath syncing with the rhythm of his steps.
His morning jog turned into a series of ARB drills, movements sharp and precise. Memories of his childhood kidnapping briefly surfaced—fear, helplessness, and his resolve to never feel that way again. Each punch and kick carried a purpose, fueled by that promise he made to himself.
As he wrapped up his session, wiping sweat from his forehead with a towel, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Didn't expect to find you out here this early," Alexis Rhodes said, walking toward him with a curious smile. She was dressed casually, clearly enjoying the morning atmosphere.
Ace turned, his silver hair catching the light. "Discipline doesn't wait for convenience," he replied, his Russian accent faint but unmistakable.
Alexis chuckled, folding her arms. "Still as serious as ever. So, what's your routine today?"
Ace shrugged. "Nothing extraordinary. A jog. A workout. Preparing for the exams later."
"Sounds intense," Alexis said, leaning against a nearby tree. "I was just on a walk myself. Maybe I'll join you next time."
He smirked faintly. "You'd have to keep up."
"Don't underestimate me, Ace Romanov," she said with a playful glint in her eye before turning to leave. "See you in class."
Returning to the dorm, Ace found the scene as chaotic as expected. Jaden and Syrus were still snoring loudly, sprawled across their bunks. The room smelled faintly of stale snacks, and Chumley was nowhere to be seen.
Ace's eyes narrowed. "Unacceptable," he muttered.
Grabbing a bucket, he filled it with cold water from the communal bathroom and returned with a predatory smirk. Without hesitation, he dumped the freezing contents over Jaden and Syrus.
"AHHHH!" Jaden yelped, leaping from his bed like he'd been hit by Raigeki. "What the heck, man?!"
Syrus sputtered, rubbing his eyes. "C-cold! Why is it so cold?!"
Ace set the bucket down calmly. "You're late. And you're Slifers—your reputation is already fragile. Have some dignity."
Jaden grinned sheepishly. "Guess we owe you one, huh?"
The trio stumbled onto the main path toward the academy when they spotted Ms. Dorothy struggling with her food truck. Its engine sputtered pitifully, smoke rising from the hood.
"Need some help?" Jaden called out, jogging over.
"Oh, bless your hearts!" Ms. Dorothy exclaimed, wiping her hands on her apron. "The truck won't budge, and I need to get these snacks to the cafeteria before the exams!"
Ace sighed but joined the group. "Push," he ordered, positioning himself behind the truck.
With combined effort, they managed to get the truck moving, Dorothy cheering them on the whole way. They were all panting but satisfied when they reached the main building.
"Thank you so much, boys!" Dorothy said
Despite arriving late, Ace breezed through the written portion of the exam. The questions were laughably easy—fundamentals of dueling that any competent duelist should know. He finished first, earning a few glares from the Obelisk Blue students who had struggled.
As the students rushed out of the classroom to try and claim the rare new booster packs that came in today, Ace stayed behind, uninterested. Later, when Dorothy handed him a bag in gratitude for their earlier help, he approached Alexis and gave it to her without a word.
"What's this?" she asked, tilting her head.
"A gesture," he said simply before walking away, leaving her both surprised and happy as she whispered under her breath "Guess he's not as cold as I thought".