Ultraman Diga was seated next to Taiga, the latest entrant besides himself, after Ultraman Taro had departed. Their blue-skinned teacher continued the lesson, focusing on the history of the Land of Light. Diga was already familiar with the story: this planet was originally inhabited by a humanoid species until one day, their sun exploded. To survive, the world's scientists created the Plasma Spark Tower. Under its illumination, everyone mutated, growing larger and stronger, thus becoming the Ultramen of today.
While Diga listened distractedly, his deskmate Taiga took notes, murmuring in astonishment, "So that's how our power originated..." After class, Taiga hesitated, wondering whether to greet the newcomer, but Diga had already made the first move: "Hi, I'm Diga, Ultraman Diga. From now on, we're classmates!" Seeing an opportunity to bond with Taro's son and potentially improve Taro's favorability towards him, Diga extended his hand.
Taiga quickly took it, saying, "Hello, I'm Taiga, Ultraman Taiga. Let's help each other out!" Diga suggested a mutual exchange of knowledge and advancement, considering his late start. Taiga's question about Earth having a Plasma Spark Tower revealed his curiosity about Diga during the lesson.
"Earth doesn't have a Plasma Spark. I'm not born of Earth, but from the light of Orion. As for my origin, I've lost those memories. However, Ultramen exist beyond the M78 Nebula, on several planets across the universe," Diga shared, enlightening Taiga to the wider universe of Ultramen.
"Ah, there are other Ultramen out there?" Taiga regretted his words immediately, worried he might have unintentionally disrespected Diga. Nevertheless, Diga freely shared his knowledge, specifically about Earth's Ultraman Gaia, who harnesses the planet's power.
Taiga was amazed: "An Ultraman fused with the Earth's essence must be incredibly powerful!" Recalling scenes from the TV series where Gaia causes massive dust clouds with each landing, Diga nodded in agreement.
[Taiga's Favorability +3]
An unexpected bonus! Initially, Diga had only intended to improve his standing with Taiga to enhance Taro's favorability. However, he found Taiga's favorability surprisingly easy to increase with just a bit of Ultraman trivia.
"Earth is an exception, highly variable. There's also planet U40, which has a life source called the 'Ultra Mind Enhancer,' turning humans into Ultramen. Their entire populace is Ultramen, symbolized by a pentagram, hence their emblem," Diga continued, as Taiga listened intently, even taking notes.
"How fascinating, I've never seen an Ultraman with a pentagram before!" Taiga exclaimed.
[Taiga's Favorability +3]
Seeing the positive response, Diga went on: "Another planet, O50, is unique. It has a harsh environment with a towering mountain range. At its summit is a circular ring of light. Climbing to the Warrior's Summit to touch the ring of light..."
"Sounds easy?" Taiga interjected, unused to the concept of climbing, given Ultramen's innate ability to fly.
"It's like trying to reach the Plasma Spark Tower without flying and without using any light energy, relying solely on physical strength," Diga clarified.
Taiga pondered this, then realizing the challenge, asked, "So reaching the top turns one into an Ultraman?"
Diga explained, "The ring tests the climber's spirit, granting those it deems worthy the power of an Ultraman. Whether you become one depends on the ring's judgment. It's quite subjective; you might climb all the way up only to be rejected."
[Taiga's Favorability +3]
"That's rather unfair, the Plasma Spark Tower seems much better!" an unexpected voice chimed in.
Diga and Taiga looked towards the source, finding Ultraman Zero touching his nose awkwardly, as if caught eavesdropping.
Excited, Taiga exclaimed, "Wow, Zero, you were paying attention in class, knowing our power comes from the Plasma Spark Tower!"
"Cough, cough..." Zero coughed lightly, seemingly embarrassed by Taiga's lack of discretion in front of the new student. Regaining composure, Zero stated, "I make it a point to understand matters of power."
Afterward, Zero glanced towards the Plasma Spark Tower, prompting Diga to wonder if this was a precursor to Zero's attempt to touch it. Deciding not to intervene — as stopping Zero might prevent him from becoming stronger — Diga reflected on his own path. Attempting what Zero planned could end disastrously for him, reminiscent of Belial's fate. Better to stick to increasing favorability.
Without further engagement, Zero left, though he shouted a reminder about the upcoming ray training class as he reached the door.