One day, before Ace was entrusted to the Blakelords, Maria came to visit inside Chris's office for a report.
"So, what's new?" asked Chris, curious about what Ace was up to since they needed to analyze him through real combat training.
"As always there's no trace of mana," Maria answered. "There hasn't been any development over the course of the sessions so it's safe to assume his power is completely unrelated to mana. Since that is the case, we may need to attribute him at least a Level 2 accreditation considering his overall abilities."
"The strong acting weak, but is judged weak by our standards, huh?" muttered Chris.
"Thanks. You can go on your way now."
"Then good day to you. I also wish you good luck in your endeavor," she said as she bowed towards Chris.
Before exiting the room, Maria shared her thoughts with Chris. "I don't know exactly what he is or what he's capable of, but it won't hurt to keep an eye on him. Maybe I'm just worrying for nothing but better to be prepared than sorry."
"I'll keep that in mind," replied Chris as Maria simply walked away. His expression was that of worry. He had also realized that something was strange about Ace, but he was unable to figure out what it was. He simply went back to handling the paperwork laid out before him, a smooth and fresh breeze blowing from his office window.
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Back to the present, a rumble shook the earth, sending shockwaves through the ground that echoed through the serene yet busy buildings and facilities that surrounded the training ground. Beneath the rising dust, were two distinct silhouettes, one adorned in blazing red aura while the other exuded a shimmering serene bluish-silver aura.
Their clash was nothing short but spectacular, their movements were blurs, mere trails of their auras to be seen. The sheer force of their blows sent tremors that rattled the very ground beneath them.
In but one moment, as the dust cleared, it was Ace and Chris, sparring as part of their training.
"That's enough for today. It's almost time for lunch," said Chris, his voice steady as both of them, only inches from landing a blow on the other, immediately halted their assault.
"Wow! So that's the rumored adopted son of the Chief. Talk about a monster," said one of the Realizers, who was resting with his partner after their own spar.
"I know, right? You gotta wonder what they do to get that strong," his partner with awe etched on his face.
"Oh shoot!" the Realizer exclaimed. "I've gotta run or else I'll my girlfriend is gonna squash me. See ya."
"Sure."
After the Realizer went on his way, "I'd also better get going."
He stood up from the corner they were watching from and also headed on his way.
Meanwhile, Ace and Chris continued to exchange pleasantries, "You always end things right when the fight starts getting fun. I just don't get it," said Ace, a wondering glare being aimed at Chris while they wiped off their sweat with their towels.
"Unlike Deker, I prefer to conserve my energy rather than use it whenever I feel like it," replied Chris as he remembered his fight against Deker.
With a small chuckle from Chris, "Well, maybe one of these days we'll be able to go at it for real," he muttered, Ace only slightly hearing what was said. After cleaning up and eating up at the Association's dining hall, the two of them went back home together, where Ellie and Shaw were waiting for them.
As hours passed and night fell, the aroma of a hearty meal wafted through the air, teasing the senses of the father-sons trio as their stomachs grumbled. She had prepared a hot meal of stewed meat and vegetables, which they eagerly devoured.
Ace had studied more about the history and other social norms of the world he was living in from Chris's tutoring and the books in the house's study which were all accumulated by Chris himself. Ace had now fully acclimated himself to this new world.
In the middle of the night, while Shaw and his parents slept in their rooms, Ace went for a late-night stroll around the neighbourhood. As he walked through it and the familiar chatter and laughter of people enjoying the night, a voice aborded him.
"Hello there," It was Hugo, who seemed to also be out on a late-night walk. "I do wonder, what are doing out here at this hour?"
"Damn it, this person is that old man Chris talked about," he cursed internally as he bowed his head. "What a coincidence. Life certainly does surprise you when you least expect it"
"Hehe," Hugo chuckled. "I suppose young Blakelord is unaware of your little escapade," he said, hitting the nail right on the head.
Ace, though with a relaxed expression and tone, laughed with a voice similar to the way a child tries to deny what they did wrong when the evidence is there.
"Do not fret," Hugo reassured as he gestured towards the nearby park. "I simply want to have a chat with you."
Arriving in the park, and sitting on a nearby bench, "So," Ace started, curious about what Hugo's intentions are. "What did you want to talk about with me?"
"Simple curiosity really," replied Hugo before continuing. "Logically speaking, in the eyes of anyone, you are just any ordinary 13-year-old young lad. But remove that mask and you're actually a person capable of keeping up with the one known as the Swordmaster. Though it's not as if he gave it his all either."
"Now he's just talking in riddles," Ace thought, still not getting why the old man was here.
"Another question. Why do you want me to attend your academy? You even went through all the trouble of helping me establish an identity here, so what's in it for you?"
Hugo's lips shifted to a knowing smile as he acknowledged the question he was asked. "I told you, remember? Simple curiosity. You were discovered in the same manner monsters appear from Vanishing Points, so isn't it more curious not to want to know more about who or what you really are?"
"Heh," Ace processed the old man's words. "Guess I ain't getting anything more out of him. Guess I'll just have to be content with his answer of simply being curious."
"Well, if you'll excuse me. It would seem that it's getting pretty late. It was a nice talk," said Hugo as he checked a pocket watch in his coat.
"Talk my ass. He simply evaded all my questions. Talk about a shrewd old man. Well, not that I can force him to talk anyway. After all, he's way stronger than me," thought Ace, resigning himself to his situation.
Before they could even exchange goodbyes, "Ace!" their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Chris, who waved at Ace from a distance.
"Seems like time is out. Let's talk more once you enter the academy," said Hugo as Ace turned to face him, only to find he had already vanished.
"Weird old man."
"Ace," Chris began, his voice carrying a blend of concern and rage, "Follow me."
"Y-yes sir," he answered.
The two of them walked up to the doorstep of their appartement, the moonlit night casting long shadows, the sky painted in a tapestry of stars.
Chris faced Ace with a thoughtful expression. "Without a doubt you're strong. I only noticed that you disappeared by luck, but it is still a fact that you won one over me."
Ace lowered his gaze, his voice steady but filled with earnestness. "I-I'm sorry."
Chris studied Ace's face, still unable to know what he was thinking. After a moment of contemplation, "Let's duel tomorrow."
Ace looked up, his curiosity piqued. "Duel?"
Chris gaze hardened, his eyes narrowing with the weight of his words. "Yes. You and me in a duel. At this point, it wouldn't be fair for Deker to be the only one who has a shot, now would it?"
"I don't know what he wants but…"
"I understand," Ace replied, his voice steady and his eyes gleaming with determination. "I'll give it everything I have."
Chris's expression softened, a hint of a smile appearing on his lips.
As Chris entered away, Ace stood alone for a short moment, staring at the horizon.
With all those matters away, Ace lied down in his bed, his heart racing at the challenge ahead. He knew about Chris's reputation and to face him in a duel would truly be a true test of his abilities.
Resting so as to be fully energized for his duel tomorrow, he drifted into sleep.