Training Arc (Part 2) - The Art of Exorcism

"Wait, so I leveled up?" Ace asked, inquisitive of the previous scenario.

[Affirmative. That is the reason you were able to use Demon Barrier.]

Amid this unusual sequence of events, Ace found himself grappling with the complexities of the device. Reflecting on the unexpected challenges, he vocalized his concerns as he navigated through the mysterious simulations.

"So, Kazuki has already leveled up."

"Who knows which level he's at," mused Ace, contemplating the uncertainties that lingered in his thoughts.

[Lesson 1, Part 2]

[Loading data.]

Wondering about the unfolding situation, Ace sought answers from the device, asking desperately,

"Wait, what's happening?"

Suddenly, a new veil enveloped Ace, revealing a dark arena with lurking demons. Despite his unpreparedness, he faced the scenario with resilience.

"Another simulation? I haven't even recovered from the last one," he remarked, his voice betraying a hint of frustration.

One of the demons approached, its eyes ablaze with red intensity. Ace braced himself, but to his surprise, the encounter proved ephemeral. As the demon vanished, confusion lingered.

"What's going on?" questioned Ace.

[System aborting. Issues detected.] resonated with the voice of the device.

[Commencing self-recovery.]

The veil transformed, shifting from darkness to transparency, ultimately fading away and restoring Ace to his prior surroundings.

"What the... issues?" he exclaimed, a tinge of frustration evident.

"Isn't this device new?"

Optimistically, Ace decided to wait, appreciating the unexpected respite it afforded him.

He carried the device to his room, reclining outside, patiently awaiting the conclusion of repairs from the apparatus.

"What's going on?" he wondered, the device having been entrusted to him just four days prior.

As time elapsed and the sun reached its zenith, Ace, with a mix of anticipation and concern, pondered the progress of the repairs.

"Is it done with its repairs?" he thought, gradually making his way back into the house to check on its status.

[Repairs successfully concluded.]

With swift determination, he approached the device, carefully retrieving it before relocating to an open area to seamlessly resume his lessons. Gently placing it on the grass, he patiently awaited the resumption of its familiar processes.

[Continuation of Lesson 1, Part 2]

[Lesson successfully initialized]

[Exploration of the Art of Exorcism]

Ace found satisfaction in the observed outcomes and calmly devoted his full attention to the device.

[Utilization of Spectrum in Demon Exorcism]

[The employment of Spectrum in demon exorcism, as elucidated, aligns with conventional practices. My discernment of your proficiency stems from routine scans I've conducted, affirming your adeptness in this domain.]

[For clarification, exorcism occurs when the sender infuses their Spectrum into or around the demon, effectively eliminating it.]

"Oh. That must be what I did," he said, realizing.

[Indeed, you may have performed it subconsciously, drawing on your experience.]

Ace paused his activities, pondering the reason he successfully exorcised the demon. While lost in thought, the system interjected,

[Lesson Complete]

[Initializing Simulation]

"Not another simulation," Ace expressed, unprepared for the announced lesson.

Customarily, Ace once again found himself transported into an otherworldly arena, immersed in an inky darkness illuminated solely by the crimson gleam of demonic eyes. Disappointment, boredom, and weariness marked his countenance as the demons slowly approached.

"Let me guess, Grade 3s," he remarked nonchalantly.

The demons accelerated their approach, prompting Ace to witness an unprecedented state. The surroundings emitted a subdued white hue, affording him a slowed perception of time to scrutinize the encroaching demons.

"Am I in the zone?"

His expression transitioned from neutrality to a smile as he swiftly positioned himself, poised for a strike. Regrettably, the ephemeral state faded, and time resumed its regular pace.

"No!" he exclaimed as the Grade 3 demon unleashed its overwhelming power upon him.

Summoning a fraction of a second, he commanded,

"Deflect!"

The demon recoiled, dissipating, only to be replaced by another Grade 3 adversary. As it advanced, Ace conjured a defensive barrier with a triumphant exclamation.

"I think I'm getting the hang of this," he mused, unaware of the impending threat.

"Transport!"

In an instant, he seamlessly traversed through space, leaving the demon thwarted in its futile pursuit.

"Deflect!"

The once-intended attack rebounded, incapacitating the demon. Ace swiftly approached, laid his hands upon the defeated adversary, and witnessed its disintegration.

[Simulation Successful]

[Lesson Complete]

"It's over?" Ace inquired, his appetite for more experiences unabated.

[You neglected the exorcism of the first demon, leading to the appearance of another] The system reflected, educating Ace on his omissions.

Dusting himself off after the intense battle, he lay on the floor, striving to recover. Fatigue overwhelmed him, but he muttered, "Those techniques are tiring," even as he listened intently to the device.

The veil lifted, returning him to his former environment, right in his backyard.

[The 'zone' is the optimum state for a Spectrum user at their peak,]

[The fact you used it this early, shows you have little to no potential.] The system explained.

"W-what did you say?!" Ace exclaimed, fueled by frustration.

"I know my potential well enough," he asserted, seeking confidence within.

[As sad as it is, it is the truth,] the device replied.

[Final Lesson Complete,] the voice of the system led to constant echoes in Ace's ears.

"Good, you're done," he declared, relieved.

Entering the house, as his parents had departed, he encountered his sister, Emma.

"Hey brother, wanna play?" she asked.

"No. I have other things to do," he asserted confidently, walking away with the device.

"Incoming Message," the device announced.

"Keep it down," Ace instructed, trying to quiet the sudden announcement.

"What's that?" Emma inquired.

"No, it's nothing," he dismissed, retreating to his room. Locking the door, he permitted the device to speak.

[Direct message from Slay Force: You have been invited, along with 315 other students to a training camp two days later]

"Training camp? And I wanted to rest then," Ace sighed, lying on his bed, pondering the upcoming training camp invitation.

"No need to worry, I'll learn some new skills," he spoke, dismissing his previous thoughts. He laid on his bed looking upwards, until a final thought surfaced,

"I'm tired." It echoed numerous times in his mind until he drifted into sleep.