Shortly, the medical team arrived at the location, attending to Ace's body.
"Wait," Ace spoke, summoning the energy to express his wish.
"I want to hear the final announcements," he insisted.
"But we have to..." one of the medical personnel responded.
"Let the kid have what he wants," another medical personnel interjected.
Ace and the medical team turned their attention to the commentator ready to make the announcements.
"Alright, here are the results," the commentator declared as the spectators' cheers escalated.
"First place goes to Kazuki, second is Ace, Hana takes third, fourth place is reserved for Haruto, and fifth is Akira."
"The rest are automatically disqualified, although the event is already over."
Ace, on the medical bed, smiled.
"At least I made it to second place," Ace said, profound joy in his heart.
The personnel looked back at Ace, smiled, and asked,
"Can we go now?"
"Please wait a little while longer. He's almost done," Ace requested, pleading for more time to witness the final announcements.
"Okay," they all replied.
"And now, all the winning contenders will be given a device much like others they had seen. It is often referred to as Kyūkyoku no gaido or simply the Ultimate Guide," the commentator announced.
"You'll become acquainted with it once you utilize it."
Some workers, holding the devices, approached the arena, distributing them to the top 5 contestants. Ace took a swift look at the device, and contentment filled him as he finally acquired the peculiar apparatus he had been inquisitive about.
"All other contestants who were not part of the top 5 are expected to purchase the device," the commentator declared.
"Now we shall proceed," Ace said as he laid his head to rest on the medical bed.
As the team escorted Ace out of the arena, the commentator's voice echoed, stating,
"You shall be provided with a week of training to prepare yourselves for the resumption of school."
Ace's eyes flinched, and he turned his head toward the commentator, letting out a sigh of relief as holidays had been declared.
"Just for clarification, the training isn't a holiday."
"What!" Ace exclaimed as he found out that his belief was contrary to reality.
The personnel finally arrived at their institute and commenced treatment on Ace. The process took a while, about 2 hours for his operation to be successfully carried out. He was discharged and instructed to rest for 3 days for full recovery.
His recovery commenced, automatically deducting days for training. Out of a total of 7 days, he was left with only 4 days to train. His parents assisted him during this time, providing him with all his needs, and finally, his recovery was complete.
RING!
RING!
"Ahh. Remind me why I have to wake up again."
Ace said frustratingly as he rubbed his eyes, preparing them for the intensive light they would receive.He slowly removed the blanket that covered him and he stood beside the window.
The morning sun painted the sky with hues of orange and blue as Ace embarked on his stargazing routine. However, a reminder interrupted his peaceful moment, prompting him to prepare for training.
He took a quick bath, had breakfast and exited the house with the device to begin his training.
"Okay, I think it's on," he remarked, uncertain of the device's procedures.
>[System Initiating]
>[Loading Data]
>[Basic Skills]
[Good day, Ace. I hope you are ready for the forthcoming lessons.]
"Wait, how do you know my name?" he questioned, met with an indifferent response.
[We shall proceed.]
The system emitted a mysterious blue light, casting an ominous chill.
[Lesson 1: Demon Barrier]
[The demon barrier, a Spectrum skill, creates a protective shield between the wielder and the demon—a human-applied variant.]
"Please, what are human-applied variants?"
[Human-applied variants are skills applicable to both demons and humans.]
Ace absorbed the information, recalling his encounter with Kazuki.
[Lesson 2: Deflect]
"Now I'll be able to use it on him once again," he said, a hint of revenge in his tone.
[Deflect is another human-applied variant, deflecting not only the attacker but also their strike.]
[Lesson 3: Transport]
[This effect changes positions within space without physical movement.]
"Please, what's an effect?" Ace inquired, intrigued by the terminology.
[An effect is simply a Spectrum skill applicable only to the wielder.]
He cast his gaze upon the apparatus, acknowledging its presence. The peculiar illumination momentarily faded, only to gracefully return in a pristine white glow.
A shroud, akin to those of prior experiences, enveloped his surroundings, immersing him in an otherworldly realm. Vigilantly, he surveyed his new environment until the device interjected with its authoritative voice.
[Practical Lesson Initiated]
"W-wait, practical?" Ace stammered, apprehensive about what awaited him.
In the subsequent moments, indistinct figures materialized in the newfound setting, gradually gaining clarity as they advanced toward him.
"Just like the simulation," he remarked, recalling a past challenge at the Annual Rumble Festival.
[In this simulation, Demon Barrier will be used.]
[This is only a simulation, meaning that Demon Barrier won't destroy demons in reality. But this is used to test your skill.] elucidated the device.
"But how will I use Demon Barrier?" he inquired, seeking guidance.
[Simple. Just speak the words.] came the device's reply.
"Okay."
"But these are grade 2 demons. Will that work?" he muttered, fixing a stern gaze on the approaching entities.
Ace shifted into battle mode, a stark departure from his usual vibrant demeanor. Had his former self resurfaced?
Quick on his feet, he anticipated potential attacks from the simulated demons. Despite a spine-chilling setback, he maintained composure.
As the demons closed in, darkness engulfed Ace. Suddenly, an intense light and plasmatic energy, reminiscent of lightning, emanated from his being. Radiant as a star, he confronted the demon head-on.
"Demon Barrier," he uttered with calm assurance.
In defiance of physics, a peculiar void separated Ace from the demons.
"What - What is this?" Ace questioned, bewildered by the unfolding phenomenon.
[Objective attained. Simulation aborted] declared the device.
The demons dissipated, and the veil lifted. Unaware of the significance, Ace turned to the apparatus, seeking understanding.
[Final Lesson: You have just witnessed a phenomenon known as 'leveling up'.]
[Spectrum wielders emit lightning once they level up, drastically increasing their abilities and unlocking skills.]
[Note: A level-up is the best hope a fighter on the losing end can wish to get during an intense match.]