Real-Machine Training
"Today's the big day—your first real-machine training."
Inside the pilot course hangar, we listen to the instructor.
"We've got fifty mass-produced Gespenst Mk-IIs, one for each of you. Plus a few for instructors. This is exceptional treatment, courtesy of Geneva Officer Academy being the Federation's heart. You're expected to be combat-ready in a crisis. Other academies get maybe ten machines, so you see how privileged you are."
Fifty student machines, plus extras? Impressive. But it makes sense if we're a potential wartime asset. Geneva's rarely attacked, but in the original story, DC remnants and Aerogators hit it, so the prep isn't overkill.
"You've trained in simulators, but boarding a PT requires caution."
We approach a machine near the hangar entrance—same mass-produced Gespenst Mk-II as ours, even for instructors.
"You board via a ladder or a boarding wire. Since it's your first time, use the ladder for safety."
Ladders are like those used for planes. Each Gespenst has one nearby. Boarding wires lift you to the cockpit from a foothold.
"Once inside, scan your ID to activate the TC-OS."
TC-OS—Tactical Cybernetics Operating System—selects pre-registered motions for you. That "Gespenst Kick" from the original? Probably a TC-OS move. Are there similar moves here? Feels likely for a Gespenst.
"After TC-OS boots, operate as you would in a simulator. Board, activate, and gather outside the hangar."
At the instructor's command, students scatter eagerly. Who wouldn't want to pilot a Gespenst ASAP? With fifty machines, those at the back take longer to exit, and nobody wants to risk a rookie mistake. I'm lost in thought when I realize everyone, even Barison, has gone.
"Guess I'm last."
I head to the farthest Gespenst, climb the ladder, and board.
"Here's the reader."
I scan my ID, TC-OS activates, and I move the machine, carefully avoiding maintenance crew. I reach the hangar entrance and line up at the back.
"Everyone's here. Surprising that Axel, our usual star, is the slowest," the instructor says via comms.
"It happens sometimes."
"Fine. You're all seeing this comm. Today's simple: walk the grounds in your machines. TC-OS makes it easy—recall your simulator training. But if anyone trips or screws up, collective responsibility means all of you do 500 push-ups."
Five hundred? What is this, Captain Banning?
"March in your current order. Begin."
…We all end up doing 500 push-ups. Some guys—and girls—were crying by the end.
Melee Training
"After lectures, shooting, simulators, and real-machine drills, guess what's today?"
"Melee training," I reply.
We're in athletic gear with protectors. What else could it be?
"Right. You learned in class that TC-OS lets you register custom motions, but you need physical agility to input and execute them well. Rumor has it some pilots have mastered jump kicks or shoulder throws on Gespensts."
…Kai Kitamura exists here too, huh? In my memory, only he used shoulder throws, though jump kicks were more common. He's a tougher instructor than ours—ghostly tough. I'd rather not meet him, but part of me regrets missing a chance to train under him.
"Axel, front and center."
"Roger."
First again, huh? I learned basic melee at the juvenile academy, and with Axel's body and 134 Melee stat, I'm no slouch. In-Fight would help, but I'm saving PP to boost my Air terrain to S.
"First to land a solid hit wins. Ready?"
"Yes, sir."
I step back a few paces, sizing up the instructor. Time to get serious. I clench my gloved fists and raise them to my face.
"Barison, signal."
"Begin!"
I charge, dodging the instructor's jab and aiming a sweeping kick at his right side.
"Not bad!"
He dodges effortlessly—expected of a pilot course instructor. I back off, reassessing.
"Nice move, chaining that dodge to a kick, valedictorian."
"You dodged it like it was nothing, sir."
"I'm not an instructor for show. My turn!"
He lunges, thrusting a palm strike at my eyes—more to obscure my vision than hit.
"Accelerate!"
I whisper the spirit command, moving faster. I dodge his strike, trying to grab his arm, but he pulls back with uncanny precision. Even with Accelerate, I can't match his efficiency. He reaches his goal in one motion; I need two or three. Speed doesn't matter if my actions are wasteful.
"A first-year with that speed?"
"You dodged it like it's nothing, sir."
"No way I'm losing to a rookie, even a prodigy like you. You're more hawk than chick."
"Thanks. Round two!"
I close the gap again. Accelerate has ten seconds left. My moves are wasteful, but a direct attack should work. I throw a right straight, aiming to overpower without overthinking.
"Come on!"
He counters with his own right straight. My punch is faster with Accelerate, but he'll dodge and counter in the gap. I need more speed—but I'm maxed out. Or am I?
I use Telekinesis to shift my body slightly, neutralizing his counter. Now to land my hit!
"Guh!?"
His startled cry is the last thing I hear before darkness claims me.
I wake up in the infirmary. My Telekinesis (Lv.4) wasn't enough to fully shift my body. I avoided a direct counter, but his glancing blow to my jaw knocked me out. Even with Accelerate and Telekinesis, I couldn't win. This instructor's a monster—on par with Kai Kitamura. My best shot was dodged.
I was out for a while; it's already lunch break. Gotta eat before afternoon classes. Oh, right—this academy's infirmary has actual doctors, not just nurses. Makes sense with all the injuries here.
I thank the doctor and head to the cafeteria, muttering, "Should've used Effort."
Character Profile: Axel Almer
Level: 7
PP: 10
Melee: 134
Shooting: 152
Skill: 144
Defense: 141
Evasion: 169
Accuracy: 191
SP: 198
Ace Bonus: Unknown
Growth Type: All-Rounder/Special
Air: A
Land: S
Sea: B
Space: A
Spirit Commands:
Accelerate (SP 4)
Effort (SP 8)
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Skills:
EXP Up
SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9, SP Recovery, Focus)
Telekinesis Lv.4
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Kills: 4