First Card

After the championship match, the family sat together, discussing the outcome. The television was turned off, but the conversation continued as the air was thick with opinions.

"I still can't believe Maya won," Richard muttered, shaking his head. "Elijah's dragons are breathtaking, but the judges didn't appreciate the beauty of beast cards. It's always the same with them."

"Exactly," Amelia agreed. "Beast cards have their own raw power, their own style. But it seems like the judges only care about technicality, not the heart of the battle. If it were up to me, Elijah would've been the winner, hands down."

Ray, who had been quietly listening, felt a tug at his heart. He was a fan of beast-type cards, just like his father. As his parents continued their discussion, Ray's mind wandered back to his own decision—what type of card would he make? He hadn't revealed his choice to them yet, and now was the perfect moment to share his thoughts.

"I've decided," Ray finally said, breaking the silence. "I know what kind of card I'm going to create."

His parents looked at him, intrigued. "Oh?" Amelia asked, leaning forward. "And what type of card is it?"

Ray smiled. "It's a surprise."

His parents exchanged curious glances, then nodded, both eager to see what Ray had chosen. "Well, whatever it is," Richard said, "make sure you focus on the heart of the card. The story behind it is what gives it strength."

Amelia smiled warmly. "Exactly. Don't rush the process. The more you understand your card, the more powerful it'll be."

Richard leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Let me tell you something about my first card, Ray. It wasn't always the beast it is now." He looked at Ray with a knowing smile. "It started as a simple cub—a green wolf."

Ray raised an eyebrow. "A wolf?"

Richard chuckled. "Yes, but not just any wolf. This one was special. When I first created it, it was small, barely able to defend itself. But I was determined to see it grow. Through years of battle, fusion with other materials and cards, it evolved into what it is today: my trump card. Now, it's a level 99 beast card—a force to be reckoned with."

Ray's eyes widened. "That's incredible."

"It is," Richard said, pride evident in his voice. "But it didn't come easy. I had to put my heart into it, understand its growth, and nurture it. The wolf became more than just a card—it became a reflection of my own journey."

Amelia smiled, turning to Ray. "My first card was a bit different. It wasn't a beast card like your father's, but it was a fusion-type card—a fire spirit."

Ray leaned in, eager to hear more.

"The fire spirit was my first attempt at creating something that could enhance the powers of other cards. It's a card that, when fused with another, amplifies their flame abilities. At first, it was weak, but with each fusion, its power grew. It's not as physically imposing as a beast card, but its utility is unmatched."

Ray nodded, taking in their words. He could feel the weight of their advice settle in his mind. "I understand," he said softly. "It's not just about the card—it's about the journey, the story behind it."

Amelia reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Exactly. Your first card will shape the rest of your path. Take your time with it. The right card will find its way to you."

Richard nodded in agreement. "You're ready, Ray. Just remember that the card you create will carry a part of you. And that's the most important thing."

Ray took a deep breath, feeling a newfound sense of determination welling up inside him. He hadn't shared his choice yet, but now, more than ever, he was sure about the direction he wanted to take.

As the night went on, Ray stayed in his room, his mind racing with possibilities. He could feel the excitement building within him, his hands slightly trembling as he prepared to create his first card. This wasn't just the beginning of a new chapter—it was the start of his journey into the unknown.

He glanced at the clock, counting down the moments until midnight—the exact time he was born. As the hour drew near, he felt something shift inside him, a subtle change in the air around him. He could sense it—the card maker space.

It was as if a new world had opened up to him, a vast and infinite expanse filled with potential. The feeling was unlike anything he had ever experienced. His mind seemed to expand, as if he were suddenly connected to every card, every possibility.

With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and focused, reaching into the space that now felt so natural to him. His fingers tingled with energy, and he could feel the essence of the card taking shape within his mind.

This was it. The moment had come. Ray's journey was about to begin.