Anime Card System

Realizing the Cardmakers Association's intention to turn him into a poster boy, Russell quickly put on a humble smile and waved his hands. "No, no, I just did what anyone would do. I believe any well-educated citizen of the Federation would have stood up in that situation."

That might not be the case, the branch president, Marcus, thought to himself. He'd seen plenty of new cardmakers freeze up when facing real monsters during their high school training. Still, he was very satisfied with Russell's understanding and media-savvy response.

"How about this, Russell," Marcus said, steering him inside. "Let's get you officially registered as a cardmaker first, and then we can talk about the interview."

A short while later, Russell stood at the entrance of the branch office, a little dazed as he looked at the official ID card in his hand. The word IRON was printed on it in bold lettering. He was now an officially registered cardmaker. He thought of the ranks that stretched out before him: Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Emerald, Diamond, Master... Palace. He had only just taken the first step on a very long road.

He shook himself from his thoughts, recalling what Marcus had just told him. "Russell, we're going to arrange an exclusive interview for you at your school tomorrow." "We'll handle all the contact with the school." "The New Metro Daily will be conducting it. Is that acceptable to you?"

After being told he would receive a 100,000 Federation Credit reward for his bravery, what complaints could Russell possibly have? The money wouldn't be transferred until after the interview and photos tomorrow, but it was a windfall he desperately needed.

On the bus ride home, his cell phone rang. He picked it up and saw the caller ID: his homeroom teacher, Mr. Williams.

"Hello? Teacher, what's wrong?" "RUSSELL!" The loud shout from the other end of the phone almost deafened him. He held the phone a little further from his ear. "I'm here."

Mr. Williams seemed to calm himself down. "Russell, the school just informed me of your... heroic act. I called you to ask if you were injured."

A warmth spread through Russell's chest. "No, Mr. Williams. A few zombies aren't enough to hurt me."

Hearing the confidence in his student's voice, Mr. Williams felt a wave of relief. "That's good. Get some rest today, and remember to tidy up your appearance tomorrow morning. That's all."

Hearing the busy tone on the phone, Russell couldn't help but laugh. His teacher's abrupt way of speaking was oddly endearing.

The next day, Russell got up early and took the bus to school. Today was the first day back for all high schools in New Metro.

"Good morning, Russell," a boy with greasy hair and a new schoolbag said, sliding into the seat next to him. Russell nodded. "Morning, Marvin." Marvin was a classmate from his year. His family ran a small business, and their relationship was amicable but not close.

As Russell leaned his head against the window, lost in thought, Marvin suddenly started a conversation. "So, Russell, how's your cardmaking coming along?"

Seeing Marvin's wandering eyes and fidgety posture, Russell couldn't help but chuckle internally. He looked like a typical adolescent boy who had achieved something and was dying to show it off.

As expected, Marvin's next sentence was a poorly feigned attempt at being casual. "I got lucky, I guess. Managed to make a Black Iron green-quality card over the summer." He was feeling quite pleased with himself. A green card on the first try meant that if he worked hard, making a blue card in the future and becoming a real cardmaker wasn't just a dream. He assumed that Russell, being an orphan, probably hadn't even had the resources to attempt making a card. He was ready to enjoy some well-deserved praise and admiration.

He was therefore quite disappointed when Russell just said lightly, "Congratulations."

Russell had no desire to engage in any "face-slapping" theatrics. In his eyes, Marvin was still just a kid who hadn't seen the real world.

Marvin scratched his head, feeling that the Russell in front of him was very different from the one he remembered, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why.

"Ding! Arriving at New Metro First High. Please exit the bus in an orderly manner."

"Let's go, Russell, this is our stop," Marvin said, grabbing his bag first.

As the two got off the bus, Russell saw his homeroom teacher, Mr. Williams, waiting anxiously at the school gate. "Good morning, Mr. Williams," Marvin greeted him honestly.

Mr. Williams nodded at him, then grabbed Russell's arm. "Let's go, quickly! Everyone is waiting for you."

Watching his teacher hurry away with Russell in tow, practically jogging, Marvin fell into deep thought. Then, a bold and dramatic guess formed in his mind. He ran into the classroom, pushed open the door, and shouted, "Big news! I think Russell might be dropping out of school to go work!"

Seeing he had the attention of the entire class, Marvin loudly laid out his evidence: Russell was an orphan and probably couldn't afford tuition. He had seemed depressed and withdrawn on the bus that morning. And the homeroom teacher was waiting for him at the gate, probably to discuss his withdrawal.

The class gradually came to accept Marvin's judgment. Just as a heated discussion began about whether they should start a donation fund for Russell, a very different scene was unfolding elsewhere.

Mr. Williams trotted with Russell all the way to the principal's office. After catching his breath, he pushed open the door. "Principal Shepherd, Russell is here."

"Hurry, hurry! Reporter Linda and President Marcus are waiting."

After entering, Russell greeted them honestly. "Principal Shepherd, President Marcus, good morning."

Marcus, the president of the Evergrove District Cardmakers Association, smiled warmly. "Kid, I told you, just call me Uncle Marcus." He then gestured to a capable-looking woman in a sharp business suit. "This is Reporter Linda from the New Metro Daily."

Reporter Linda stepped forward and shook Russell's hand. "Hello, Russell. We're just going to have a brief interview. There's no need to be nervous." "So," she began, "can I ask why you chose to step forward in such a dangerous situation?"

"Because the residents of the Happy Home Complex needed my protection," Russell said, his words flawless and practiced. "And I believe that any student from New Metro First High, or any cardmaker from the Association, would have stood up in that situation."

Hearing this, Principal Shepherd beamed with satisfaction.

"I also heard from President Marcus that you created a purple-quality card on your very first attempt. Is that correct?" Reporter Linda asked next.

Russell complained inwardly. This reporter really asks anything, doesn't she? Doesn't she know a cardmaker's card info is their biggest secret? But his expression remained calm. "I was just lucky that the story I compiled was recognized. This is inseparable from the daily teachings of both New Metro First High and the Association."

Principal Shepherd couldn't have been more satisfied. The boy had talent, high emotional intelligence, and was the perfect student to be the face of the school for the year.

After Reporter Linda finished her notes, she said, "Could I have Russell, Principal Shepherd, and President Marcus stand together for a photo?" As she spoke, she took a banner from her bag and handed it to Russell. "Russell, please hold this."

The banner read: "A Brave Man, a Good Boy Who Stands Up for Justice!"

Russell's eye twitched. He knew at a glance this cheesy banner was the school's handiwork. Holding it, he put on his best fake smile for the camera.

"Very good," Reporter Linda said, looking at the photos with satisfaction. "Thank you for your cooperation, Russell."

"So, am I free to go back to class now?" Russell asked, seeing that there seemed to be nothing else for him.

"Russell, please wait a moment," Principal Shepherd called out just as he was about to leave. "The Association has a reward for you, and we at New Metro First High have one for you as well."

(End of this chapter)