Chapter 23: Don't Speak
Chapter 23: Don't Speak
Upon returning home from the gym, You Xuan took out the prized card the Gym Leader had just given him, the "Silent Magician," and placed it on the table, examining it from all angles.
Of course, it wasn't because of the alluringly curvy and tall artwork, but rather his pure interest in researching the truth behind the Pokemon legend.
He tried to recall from memory; in GX, Judai received the Winged Kuriboh card from the Game King, and in the first episode, the Poke Ball seemed to come out on its own, floating and greeting Judai with a "Kuri Kuri."
But this card didn't seem to be doing anything.
"Hello?"
"Anyone there?"
". . ."
Nothing happened, just as he had thought.
Then, an idea struck him, and he immediately pulled out his Duel Disk and unfolded it with a flourish.
There was a belief that not everyone could see Pokemon, and "Pokemon Empathy" was a talent that only a select few possessed. Perhaps the Pokemon had already come out, but he just couldn't see it.
However, there was another way.
He could use the holographic technology of the Duel Disk to summon the Pokemon and give it a physical form through KaibaCorp's advanced science. Perhaps then, they could at least communicate.
The Duel Disk's holographic system activated, and amidst a dazzling array of magic circles, a majestic figure stepped forward. A graceful magician, clad in an immaculate white robe, her long, slender legs barely visible beneath the flowing fabric. Her skirt seemed to dance like snowflakes with each movement.
"Silent Magician, I summon thee!"
She stood there, expressionless, like an ice crystal tree, her skin as pale as a glacier, her gaze as cold as ice.
You Xuan stared intently at the tall magician, taking in every detail.
"Hmm."
Perhaps it was KaibaCorp's projection technology that made it so lifelike—the texture of the skin, the chilly gaze—it truly seemed like a real person.
But the unwavering stare and the lack of expression confirmed that it was just a hologram.
Or so he thought.
As he circled to the left to observe, he suddenly took a step back and looked up at the Silent Magician's eyes.
They were still as unmoving as a frozen well, staring straight ahead.
But he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
For a brief moment, he thought he saw her eyes move, as if she had glanced at him, but when he looked up, she had immediately looked away, returning to her icy poker face.
It happened so fast that he couldn't be sure if he had imagined it.
"Could it be that there really is a Pokemon, but she's just pretending to be dead?"
However, no matter how much he circled the hologram, there was no further reaction.
With no other options, he turned off the Duel Disk and placed the card back on the table.
His plan for the evening was to take a shower, go for a walk to find some dinner, come back and review for the assessment duel, and then get some rest.
Then, another brilliant idea struck him.
He recalled hearing that music was a universal language that transcended race and culture in the biological world. Research had shown that many animals and plants responded to music, and some fantasy works even depicted aliens communicating through music.
With the thought that it wouldn't hurt to try, he turned on his music player and filled the room with some suitable dueling background music. The heavy metal melody was invigorating, the drumbeats like a raging storm, each note filled with passion and power, evoking the image of countless warriors charging into battle.
It was the perfect anthem for a dueling enthusiast, and You Xuan felt his body fill with energy as if the next draw would change the world.
Satisfied, he set the music to loop and headed to the bathroom for a shower.
Could it be...?
He pondered for a moment before pressing the play button again. Then, feigning nonchalance, he turned and left the room once more.
But he quickly retraced his steps and peered through the slightly ajar door, waiting patiently.
Less than a minute later, his patience was rewarded. A translucent figure appeared, seemingly materializing out of the faint ripples emanating from the card on the table.
Clad in a pristine white robe, her skin appeared even more translucent in this ghostly state, almost ethereal in the moonlight streaming through the window.
You Xuan couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath. So, the Gym Leader hadn't been exaggerating after all.
There really was a Pokemon here! The magician exuded an aura of holiness, with a divine light surrounding her. But her silent, stealthy movements and nervous glances around the room made her seem more like a sneaky ghost.
She reached out and turned off the music player, her actions furtive and cautious.
You Xuan: "..."
He paused, reflecting on the situation. Perhaps there was a reason she was called the "Silent" Magician.
It seemed she didn't appreciate the music he had thoughtfully prepared.
However, despite the odd circumstances, his musical ritual had somehow managed to summon the Pokemon.
You Xuan suddenly flung open the door and stood in the doorway.
Silent Magician: "!!!"
The silver-haired beauty was clearly startled, her hand flying to her mouth as she took a step back. A flush crept up her cold, pale face.
It was as if she had been caught doing something forbidden, and her parent had suddenly walked in on her.
Then, in the blink of an eye, the magician transformed into a beam of white light and retreated back into her card.
You Xuan: "..."
Now he was certain.
His Pokemon had indeed been feigning death.
Why would she do that? Could it be that her master didn't look like a good person?
You Xuan glanced at his reflection in the mirror for only a moment before dismissing that thought. With his handsome features, it was impossible.
Absolutely out of the question.
Could it be that this Pokemon was simply socially anxious? In the world of Dueling, the bond between a Duelist and their cards was said to be the key to victory, and encountering a Pokemon was a rare opportunity. You Xuan felt it was worth the effort to build a connection.
So, he returned to the table and tried a different approach.
"Hey, are you there?"
Silent: "..."
"Actually, I already knew you were here."
Silent: "..."
You Xuan was at a loss.
Throughout the generations of Duel Kings in anime and manga, it was always said that winning duels depended on the bond between the Duelist and their cards. But strangely, no one had ever elaborated on how to cultivate this so-called "bond."
This wasn't like Pokemon training, where you could feed and train them. How was he supposed to build a connection when the Pokemon refused to leave its card?
After some thought, he tentatively asked, "How about... we try listening to another song?"
Silent: "!"
A faint ripple appeared on the card's surface.
After a few seconds, the Silent Magician reappeared, her staff in her hands, head bowed, and an odd expression on her face.
She remained silent, but her actions and reactions spoke volumes to You Xuan.
As long as he didn't expect her to speak, they could come to an understanding.
(End of Chapter)
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