Legacy and the Key

"Cough, cough, cough."

"Professor Banner!" The simulated star slowly descended. As it faded, the students were released, and three Slifer Red students rushed over to Banner's side, led by Jaden Yuki, all visibly anxious.

Though he had been their enemy, Banner never harmed them. Over the past six months, he had told them stories, played games, cooked for them, and even slipped them extra food. The three had grown truly fond of him.

Especially Jaden, he had come to see Banner as a brother. And now, he could only watch helplessly as Banner's body slowly crumbled away.

"Hikaru, how are you feeling?" Zane and Professor Crowler rushed to Hikaru, worried.

Bastion was already helping him stand.

Though Bastion hadn't contributed much during the Duel, aside from being frightened at the start, he had stood by Hikaru the entire time without retreating. As soon as the Duel ended, he was the first to hold Hikaru up so he wouldn't collapse.

"I'm fine. Just some mental exhaustion." Hikaru exhaled and looked at Tierra, who casually waved a hand and gave him a quick status read.

Though the Duel had been fierce, Banner hadn't gone too far in terms of raw damage.

Supported by Bastion, Hikaru slowly walked over toward Banner, and the others gathered around as well.

"Don't cry, Jaden." Banner smiled gently at Jaden's conflicted and pained expression. "This body... was just an artificial lifeform I created. The real me already died during my dimensional exploration."

'!!'

"I returned to the human world in this alchemical body to bring back what I learned and to find a successor. That's why I became your teacher." He closed his eyes and laughed softly as his body began to crumble.

A spirit resembling Aleister appeared beside him, stretching out a hand to gather the golden lights emerging from Banner.

"Jaden," Banner opened his eyes again, no longer fierce and scarlet, but soft and gentle. "You're far stronger than I imagined. But you're also too gentle. You haven't truly understood the terror of Shadow Games. The efforts of your classmates helped ease your burden, but to become a real Hero, that alone isn't enough."

Then he looked to the others:

"Chazz, your pride fills your heart, but it hasn't helped you grow stronger. Yet you never abandoned that pride, and for that, I'm glad.

Atticus, Alexis, you two have become far too complacent.

Zane, your dedication to Duel and honor is admirable. But Duels must always have a victor."

"Professor Banner..." Jaden's face contorted in sorrow.

He was saying his final goodbyes. It was obvious.

"Hikaru…"

"Professor?"

"The book is yours. All my life's research and discoveries. The traces left behind from the spirits I've encountered, they're all yours now." Banner extended his hand and passed the book to Hikaru. "They're powerful and have strong personalities. Whether you earn their recognition is up to you."

Hikaru accepted the book, lightly squeezing it. Then he asked, "Professor Banner, if you could create your own body, why..."

"Why still die, right?" Banner shook his head. "Because I… was too powerful."

He laughed at his own words. "I know that sounds arrogant, but I've become something beyond human. This world no longer allows someone like me to live among humans."

"I see." Tierra, off to the side, nodded in understanding. "So he's just like me."

'Just like... her?'

"Even the Pharaoh had to return to the afterlife for eternal rest. How could I remain in the mortal world forever?" Banner closed his eyes.

"Professor Crowler."

"Ah!?" Crowler stiffened, intimidated by the now-foreign figure of his familiar colleague.

"Please look after the kids."

At this, Crowler instead replied, "What are you saying? I'm the noble head of Duel Academy! The children were always mine to protect!"

"Then... that's good—"

With a final smile, Banner closed his eyes. His body and card slowly disintegrated. Aleister gathered the fragments into a glowing orb.

The students stared as Aleister took the orb and sealed it within his grimoire. He looked around at the crowd, who tensed under the gaze of such a powerful Duel Monster.

"Warriors of humanity. As per our agreement, I will now escort Banner's soul to the Village of Spellcasters."

He carefully stored the book. "Banner's soul is far stronger than any average human's. Countless malevolent beings desire it. I must personally ensure it arrives safely, lest it fall into the wrong hands and plunge your world into chaos."

Everyone exchanged glances, unsure of what to say.

Village of Spellcasters? Evil forces slipping through to wreak havoc?

They didn't understand any of it.

Only Hikaru and Jaden recalled their time in the Warriors' Realm and realized what kind of place Aleister meant.

After that, the spirit turned to Hikaru again.

"New-era alchemist, warrior of mankind. Your performance was commendable. Honestly, I could stay and help you further. But we spirits must honor our pacts and complete our missions. I must escort Banner's soul. And trials cannot be skipped. That, too, is our code."

"Once you've studied the knowledge in that book and found the Village of Spellcasters, I will return.

Until then, let me give you this card, Banner's favorite."

Raising his staff, Aleister drew a magic circle in the air. From it emerged a familiar giant, who transformed into a card and flew into Hikaru's hand.

It was Invoked Magellanica, the first of the four elemental Invoked monsters Banner favored.

Hikaru took a deep breath and pocketed the card.

Suddenly, green runes lit up the sky and surrounding structures, bathing everyone in light.

When Hikaru came to his senses, he was back in the academy's forest. Around him, teachers and friends lay unconscious in the grass. Everything that had just happened... was gone, like a dream.

But the lingering voice in his ear reminded him, it was no illusion.

"Within Banner's book is a key to his laboratory. If you want to conduct alchemy experiments, use that key to access the artificial dimension again."

"Until then... goodbye. I look forward to our next meeting."

'The Key to the Alchemy Lab.'

He opened the book and saw the key tucked between the pages, which he carefully stored.

Banner hadn't stayed behind as a spirit like in the original story.

It made Hikaru a little sad. He had expected this Duel wouldn't lead to such a permanent parting.

In the original, Banner had watched over Jaden until the very end—even joining him on solo journeys! He had been the one who cared for and protected the protagonist the most.

Clearly, the appearance of another dimension had changed the world too drastically.

Still, this wasn't a complete farewell.

They would meet again someday.

In this world, there was no need for grief.

Until then, he would study the book properly.