The Philosopher's Stone card crafted by Professor Banner… truly a god-tier "illegal card," no exaggeration.
Even in a world like the original Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, overflowing with fanmade and broken cards, this one stood out. It didn't even need to be activated—just a thought, and it could become any card you wanted, then revert whenever you willed it.
In the original series, Jaden Yuki used it during his battle against the Sacred Beasts, triggering its effect three times. Thanks to that miracle, he managed to overcome them and saved countless Duel Spirits.
Overpowered? Absolutely.
But wasteful? Beyond belief.
If Jaden had held onto that thing for the duel with Yubel, he probably would've clinched it without a hitch.
Of course, that's all hindsight.
Back then, facing down the Sacred Beasts, Jaden had his back to the wall. Without Banner's final gift, he had no path to victory. No telling if the world would've even survived without it.
Likewise, even though Hikaru Amagi had defeated Banner, he couldn't say for sure that there weren't more hidden threats lurking behind Kagemaru in this timeline.
Not to mention, the Sacred Beasts of the anime weren't just replicas of real cards—their effects and power levels were far beyond anything standard.
If push came to shove and a confrontation with the Sacred Beasts became unavoidable, Hikaru wouldn't hesitate to give Jaden the card—or even use it himself.
Better to "waste" it than die, after all.
Though truth be told, he'd probably end up using Super Polymerization anyway.
At least that one could be used multiple times.
And really, it'd be more efficient for Hikaru to reverse-engineer or duplicate the Philosopher's Stone himself. If he could find a way to use the Philosopher's Stone as a cost for Super Polymerization, that could solve his fusion card limitations perfectly.
If he could forge three copies of this thing? Bring on the Sacred Beasts. Bring on Yubel. He wouldn't flinch.
"Call the Supreme King down here! Bring him on!"
But Tierra didn't seem to agree.
She noticed when Hikaru resisted his impulse and pulled his hand back. Smiling faintly, arms crossed, she said, "Honestly? Even I was surprised."
She tilted her head, the movement slow and feline. "This artificial dimension... your teacher must've constructed it using the Philosopher's Stone as its core. Even though you took the Stone, the space should remain, but it'll start to shrink, collapse eventually. When it does, only the forge area will remain stable."
"But that's not even the important part."
"What matters more is that your teacher constructed this alternate dimension in such a way that it strengthens cards via an energy recycling mechanism."
She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "His real intention might've been to sustain this pocket world indefinitely with that energy loop, isolating it from outside interference."
"But because of that very design... you've got new opportunities."
"Opportunities?"
"The base function of the Philosopher's Stone—transmutation of gold and eternal life." Tierra twirled her finger idly. "But I doubt you're planning on minting gold. Maybe that alchemist over there is curious, but I wouldn't let him."
True.
Besides, Manroun was a prideful alchemist. He might accept using other substances to produce gold, but only if he transmuted them himself.
"The other function is nourishment," Tierra continued, arms folded. "Your teacher likely extended his lifespan thanks to the Stone. But its restorative abilities don't just apply to humans."
"They can also affect Duel Spirits… and even cards themselves."
!!
Tierra glanced toward the two sword-wielding spirits shadowing Hikaru. A sly curl tugged at her lips. "Those two followers of yours—they're already beginning to evolve. They might become something the world's never seen before."
"But reaching that level takes battle experience and harsh trials. Even today's duel against your teacher? Barely a scratch of growth."
Wait, really?
Hikaru turned to the spirits. They exchanged a look, then quickly inspected themselves. Sure enough, their blades, their armor—subtle, nearly imperceptible shifts.
"You wouldn't even notice without really looking…"
Both turned to Tierra. If even they hadn't seen it, how had she?
"Carbon-based lifeforms are pitiful. You can't even self-monitor properly."
The spirits froze, caught between shame and offense.
Meanwhile, Hikaru's eyes narrowed. "So wait… does that mean if you stayed here…"
"Oh, you guessed right." Tierra swept her gaze around the artificial world. "I can feel it—my power is slowly recovering here. In minute amounts, yes , but it's happening."
Hikaru's face tightened.
Just this was enough for her to regain strength. If she had the entire Philosopher's Stone?
Even if it couldn't resurrect her outright, she could probably regain terrifying power.
Is she planning to make a move? Now?
Hikaru braced himself.
Even if he had to hide it away forever, the Philosopher's Stone was Banner's legacy. No one would take it.
But Tierra lifted her staff slightly, still watching him. "So… in return for that lovely duel ceremony you showed me—and the fun of watching your duel—I'll use what power I've regained to craft you a card."
Huh?
Hikaru blinked, momentarily dumbfounded.
Tierra tilted her head again, this time so sharply her neck cracked. "What? Did you think I'd snatch it?"
"When I make a promise, I don't break it."
The subtext was clear: if she hadn't made a promise, betrayal would've been on the table. But as the God of Genesis Stars, she had her pride. Her divine dignity.
"Materials needed: Level 2 monster, DARK-Attribute monster, Fiend-Type, Fairy-Type, Machine-Type, Winged Beast-Type, WIND-Attribute monster… doesn't matter if they're Normal Monsters. You'll also need feathers from birds, gemstones—purple or black preferred. If you can't find those, jam that white crystal stuff in. The rest? Just your usual card-forging ingredients."
"Oh. Uh. Got it!" Hikaru blinked, then quickly darted off to gather materials.
Only after he'd left did the realization hit him.
When Tierra told him about the Philosopher's Stone before, it hadn't been out of kindness. If he hadn't resisted the temptation, she probably would've stabbed him in the back—literally or metaphysically.
Only once she saw his desire tempered by reverence did she abandon the idea.
Never trust a smiling god. Especially one who despises the living.
He returned to the human world, gathered materials for three or four days, then brought the spirits back to the forge and got to work.
Half a week later, Hikaru opened the furnace and pulled out the finished card.
Success!
A glimmer of excitement passed across his face.
Shaddoll Falco, one of the low-level monsters of the Shaddoll archetype!
He hadn't expected this bonus at all!
He clenched his fist in triumph.
He had exactly what he needed to make his Shaddoll fusion cards actually usable.