In the Land of Light Academy, at the ray training field, a group of Ultramen gathered in small clusters, chatting away much like students before a PE class. "This is the ray training field. Those pillars in front are the test pillars. Activating them and firing your rays at them will record your ray's power. Besides these fixed test pillars, there are also disposable small test pillars, which are generally used for class exercises to be destroyed," Taiga explained to Diga, sharing the rules of the place after receiving a wealth of information from him.
Diga was curious, "Destroyed? What if the ray isn't powerful enough?" Taiga reassured, "That's not an issue. The disposable test pillars accumulate damage. If one ray doesn't break it, then two, if not two, then three, until it's destroyed..."
It felt just like PE class back on Earth, where the teacher allowed free time after scoring ten baskets. While they were talking, an Ultraman wearing a red cape strode in confidently. The moment the students saw him, they all fell silent and behaved, even Zero, the notorious troublemaker, stood up straight from his crouched position.
Diga looked over and was astonished, "My goodness, Ultraman Ace!!!" The ray class was being taught by the King of Rays himself? This was an opportunity to significantly boost favorability. Ace, known for effortlessly launching skills, had an arsenal of techniques.
"Looks like we have a test today," Taiga whispered quietly. Before Diga could inquire further, Ace had already stepped in front of the class, his voice stern, "Today, we'll be testing the Light Ring ability. Prepare yourselves..."
Indeed, the reaction to exams is universal across species and planets: a collective groan of dismay. However, a sharp look from Ultraman Ace quickly silenced the students... Diga felt the intensity of that glare, worthy of an Ultraman known for slicing through monsters, dubbed the "Slaughterhouse Manager of the Land of Light."
As they contemplated this, Taiga pulled Diga towards the back; being new, it was natural for them to be tested later. "It's not usually Uncle Ace who teaches, but when he appears, it means there's a pop quiz. Oh no, my Light Ring ability isn't great; I might not pass today," Taiga lamented.
Diga was curious, "What happens if you don't pass?" "You can't go home until you've practiced it hundreds or even thousands of times, depending on the teacher's decision!" Taiga replied. Ah, so the Land of Light has such rules too? Taiga suddenly realized, "Right, I heard that the school regulations from Earth were introduced by Uncle Eddy!"
As they chatted, the students in front began their tests. Orb was first, an exemplary student proficient with the Light Ring. The Light Ring, a fundamental skill for Ultramen from the Land of Light developed by the original Ultraman, compresses Spacium energy into a ring, narrowing its attack range but greatly increasing its power for slicing through enemies. Orb's precise control shattered the test pillar cleanly with just two rings.
Ace nodded in approval, "Next!" Next was Liberte, whose preparatory moves differed from the standard Light Ring, incorporating a martial arts-like flourish before launching four Light Rings that split the test pillar into five sections, showcasing his skill's power and precision.
"Amazing," Diga commented. Taiga added, "Liberte brother developed that technique based on his family's martial arts. It's a powerful ranged slicing attack that can launch multiple Light Rings at once."
So, there's flexibility in the techniques, not just the standard Light Ring. Diga's recently acquired Shining Light Ring might come in handy. The tests continued, with less impressive performances from other students, leading to some standing shamefully aside under Ace's directive.
When Zero's turn came, he cleverly used his telekinesis to coordinate a front and back attack with two Light Rings, creating a burst of explosive light upon impact. Though expecting praise, Ace's response was a blunt "Show-off, next!" leaving Zero visibly annoyed at the lack of appreciation.
As it was Taiga's turn, his Light Ring indeed lacked the power of his predecessors. Despite his efforts, the pillar only partially broke. "Stand over there!" Ace commanded, pointing Taiga to the sidelines without a second glance.
"Now, who are you?" Ace asked, turning to the last student, Diga. "Good day, Instructor Ace. I'm the new student, Ultraman Diga!" "Begin!" Ace instructed, pointing at the test pillar.
Diga positioned his left hand across his chest, gathering energy in his right, and released a glowing Light Ring towards the pillar. Whispering among the other Ultramen began: "Wow, so skilled, and it's not a standard Light Ring!" "A newbie monster, surely that will break it!" "It feels powerful, should work..."
Taiga, who had just been a bundle of nerves, watched with wide eyes, his excitement barely contained as if Diga's success was his own. However, the promising Light Ring that had garnered quiet admiration from the onlookers veered off course as it approached the test pillar. Instead of cutting through, it struck the pillar sideways, an empty ring of light that barely scratched the surface before shattering to pieces.
"Just that?" "I thought it would be powerful, but it turned out to be all show." "Has all that energy but doesn't know how to use it, didn't even try to control the Light Ring with Ultra Will?"
The murmurs around them shifted from praise to disappointment. Even Zero, renowned for his strong Ultra Will, scoffed disdainfully and looked away. "It's okay, Diga, just control it with your Ultra Will next time!" Taiga tried to cheer him up.
Ultra Will... Diga knew of it but had never utilized it. How to control the direction of the Light Ring's cut? Was he supposed to rely on luck to launch four more shots? At that moment, Ace's cool voice cut through, "You have four more attempts!"
Seeing Ace, an idea suddenly struck Diga: [The correct way to use the Light Ring ability]