The Strongest Curse Master

"Alright, here we go, Rose. It's the moment of truth…, Apex persona!" Standing before a mirror, Ace uttered, activating the Apex earring's apex persona. 

In an instant, a profound transformation washed over Ace, reshaping his physical form and essence in a burst of dazzling light. His once chubby cheeks tightened, his belly flattened, and his plump frame turned lean and sturdy with bulging toned muscles. His youthful features became chiseled, exuding an aura of confidence and determination. Eyes that once held uncertainty now glowed with the fiery intensity of a hero ready to face any challenge. His hair, once tousled and unkempt, now flowed in locks.

Along with the aesthetic transformation to his physical appearance, Ace had grown from 5ft 11 inches to 6ft 7 inches, and he felt lighter— a lot lighter than 190 pounds. His baggy Pjs were now tightly wrapped around his muscles. It was like he had become a different person. Staring at his reflection, Ace whispered, "Is this my best version? My Apex persona."

"Master, I find your original appearance more appealing," Dame Wasp added, her voice carrying a note of sincerity.

"Well, I beg to differ, Rose. Who wouldn't want to look their best? Besides, it feels great," Ace quipped, thinking Dame Wasp was starting to feel more like his mom than his toy summons. 

"Well, master, you could look this good without the earring with a little exercise," Dame Wasp sincerely suggested.

"Ugh!" Ace rolled his eyes at Dame Wasp and redirected the conversation, "Rose, can you continue your software update in the toybox, or do you need to be outside?" 

"I can continue my software update in the toybox. But I prefer to be outside with you, Master," Dame Wasp answered. 

"Rose, my curse energy isn't high enough to keep you by my side all the time. You have to return to the toybox for now. But you can communicate with me using my status screen skill," Ace informed Dame Wasp with a heavy heart, showing her the status screen. 

[ — Status screen —

> Curse energy

i) Curse energy: (186/201)

ii) Curse energy recovery: 1 unit per hour.

Note: 

i) Curse energy recovers only when the user is not actively using curse energy.

ii) User can use curse core to recover and cultivate curse energy.]

[ — Status screen —

> Toymancer curse energy consumption log,

-5 units of curse energy to summon Dame Wasp for one hour. 

-5 units of curse energy to summon Dame Wasp for one hour, four minutes remaining. 

-5 units of curse energy to use the Apex earring (Apex persona mode) for one hour, 59 minutes remaining. 

Note: 

i) Dame Wasp has been active since summoning. So, energy gets consumed once it's summoned.

ii) Apex Earring is only active when the user uses its skills. So energy is consumed once the user activates Apex persona or Energy-saver mode.]

"I understand, Master. Please, call on me when you need me," Dame Wasp willingly agreed to return to the toybox, but her disappointment could not be more apparent. 

"You know, I will," Ace responded. He might have curse energy to spare, but it was hard for a curse master to recover curse energy naturally without a curse core. With Loki arriving tomorrow, he had to be frugal. So, steeling his heart, Ace broke the news to Dame Wasp. 

"Rose, before you return to Toybox, transfer all the files on the curse arts to my PC. I want to start practicing them right away," Ace instructed Dame Wasp. He lacked both time and curse energy. So, every second counted.

"I have already transferred the files, Master. You can find them under the name 'curse arts,'" Dame Wasp informed, her efficiency matching Ace's eagerness to learn the curse arts.

"Way to show initiative, Rose," Ace complimented Dame Wasp, acknowledging her proactive approach. Then, seeing her reluctant to return to the toybox, he assured her, "This is only temporary. Once my curse energy increases or we find a way to earn a stable source of curse cores, you can always be by my side."

"I know, master," Dame Wasp nodded with a gentle smile and returned to the toybox. 

Ace then swiftly accessed his PC and located the "Curse Arts" file. Without hesitation, he selected the 'Curse Shroud Art.' Despite its classification as a high-tier skill for a novice curse master, Ace felt compelled to learn it, if not master it entirely. His objective was clear: to conceal his curse energy aptitude and reserves by the following morning. With determination fuelling his actions, he delved into the intricate techniques outlined within the file, knowing that mastering this skill would be crucial for maintaining his secrecy and protecting those around him.

It took him a while, but assisted by the Martial Arts specialist effect of the Apex earring, Ace grasped the intricacies of the 'Curse Shroud Arts.' Now, all he had to do was follow it and try to mask his curse energy aptitude and reserves. But first, he had to learn to control his curse energy so he could circulate the curse energy in his body as specified in the curse art.

Aided by the combat specialist skill of his Apex Earring, it did not take long for Ace to succeed in mobilizing the curse energy within his body. He was pleasantly surprised at how rapidly he adapted to manipulating the curse energy, utilizing his innate curse tool as a conduit despite being a novice curse master. Just then, his Apex earring contacted him using the status screen skill,

[ — Status screen —

 > -5 units of curse energy for using the Apex earring (Apex persona mode) for one hour, two minutes remaining. 

 > Do you want to keep the Apex persona active for another hour by consuming 5 units of curse energy? (Y/N) ]

'It's been an hour already. Apex persona's focus is impeccable. I did not know how the time flew by immersed in practicing my curse energy control,' Ace pondered, gazing at the status screen, and then he instructed the Apex earring, "No, activate energy saver mode." 

In the energy-saver mode of the Apex earring, except for the Apex persona, Ace could access all its skills for five hours at the cost of one unit of curse energy. With five units of curse energy, he could use the Apex earring for a whole day and an extra hour. Ace did not need the skill 'Apex persona' as of now. It was great for hiding his identity and combat, but for mastering a curse art, it played moderate role.