During a core activation test, Ace’s level eight core unexpectedly explodes, puzzling officials since such cores are known to be extremely durable. Some suspect the core was defective, but others worry Ace’s talent might exceed normal limits. The president insists on trusting Ace and allows him to represent their nation in the upcoming National Fate Battle, urging teammates to support each other. Later, experts reveal that level eight cores can only handle up to SSS-rank talent; if surpassed, they explode. Ace’s recent defeat of a skilled fighter hints he might have broken this limit, leaving his true potential—and the consequences—uncertain.