Choosing Arms

The time had finally come—a moment of excitement and anticipation, the turning point in the lives of every aspiring aero combatant. Today marked the beginning of the weapon selection period. All cadets, accompanied by their respective tutors, gathered around the sprawling training ground, the air buzzing with nervous energy and chatter.

The commandant, a figure of authority and resolve, mounted the podium, his presence commanding immediate silence.

“Skybound!” he called out, his voice ringing clear and powerful.
“Unbroken!” the cadets responded in perfect unison, their voices resonating like thunder.

The commandant surveyed the sea of determined faces before continuing, his tone firm yet inspiring.

“As aspiring soldiers of this noble nation, you have willingly stepped away from the comforts of ordinary life. You have chosen a path of discipline, sacrifice, and service,” he said, his gaze sweeping across the cadets. “I trust you harbor no regrets. However, to walk this path, you must claim an identity—a mark that defines you, even in your absence.”

He paused briefly, letting the weight of his words sink in.

“Starting today, you will have the opportunity to choose your primary weapon,” he declared. “Your weapon is not just a tool—it is your voice, your strength, and your identity. Choose wisely, for it will speak for you when you cannot, and it will guide your actions as aero combatants. Prove your worth in the Iron-Wing Games, and let the world see who you truly are. Good luck!”

The cadets erupted into cheers, the commandant’s speech igniting a fire of motivation within them. The energy was evident—eager anticipation for the future mingled with the weight of the decision they were about to make.

For some, the excitement was overwhelming; for others, the gravity of the choice stirred doubt. This wasn’t a casual selection, but a commitment—a decision that would shape their destinies.

Emi noticed Leona sitting quietly, her expression uncharacteristically somber. Concerned, she approached her.

“Leona,” Emi called softly, drawing her attention. “You’ve had that sour look on your face since the morning assembly. Are you okay?”

Leona hesitated, her usual sharpness replaced with a rare vulnerability. “I’m fine,” she replied, though the tension in her voice betrayed her. “I’m just... overthinking things, I guess.”

“Overthinking? You?” Emi teased gently, trying to lighten the mood. “You’ve always been so sure of yourself. What’s on your mind?”

Leona sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “It’s just... this choice. It’s not just about picking a weapon. It’s about who I want to be. And I tend to make mistakes a lot, what if I get it wrong?”

Emi placed a reassuring hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay to feel that way. This is a big deal for all of us. But whatever you choose, make sure it comes from your heart. And that’s what matters.”

Leona managed a faint smile, the weight on her shoulders lifting ever so slightly. “Thanks, Emi. I just need to clear my head and trust myself.”

“That’s the spirit!” Emi encouraged, her optimism infectious. “Now let’s focus on the task ahead. We’ve got identities to claim!”

“That’s right Muller” Hikari jumped in, “it’s all about guts”.

“That’s not what I said” Emi replied him

“Whichever it is, I’ll be sure to try. Thanks guys” Leona said as she let out a chuckle.

As the cadets arrived at the massive weapons hall, the excitement in the air was palpable. The walls were lined with futuristic weapons, each one gleaming under the fluorescent lights. Two staff members stood by the entrance, ready to guide the cadets through this pivotal moment in their journey.

"Hi, everyone," one of the staff called out, her voice clear and confident. “I’m Akari Inoue, from the Systems Development Division. And my partner here is Dave from Biotechnical Integrations. We're here to help you through your weapon selection process.”

Akari’s smile was warm, but there was a professional edge to it. Dave stood beside her, his arms folded, his eyes scanning the cadets with an analytical gleam.

“Today is an important day,” Akari continued, her voice carrying across the hall. “You’re about to make a choice that will define you as an aero combatant—your weapon. But first, let me explain the categories.”

She gestured to the three sections of the hall, each dedicated to a different weapon type. The cadets’ eyes followed her movement, curiosity flickering across their faces.

“There are three categories of weapons: Assault Weapons, Balance Weapons, and Wave Manipulators,” Akari explained. “Each category has its unique strengths, so think carefully before you choose.”

“The Assault Weapons”, Akari gestured toward the section where sleek, deadly-looking weapons were displayed, their sharp lines and imposing designs giving off a sense of power. “These weapons are for those who prefer direct, devastating attacks. They’re precision tools, built for offense. If you want to overwhelm your enemies with sheer force, these are the weapons for you.”

Dave stepped forward, his tone calm and matter-of-fact. “Assault weapons come in various forms:

Precision Firearms, like sniper rifles, are for those who prefer to engage from a distance. These weapons are designed for pinpoint accuracy.

Energy Blades—ideal for those who want to get close and personal. These melee weapons channel concentrated energy to slice through armor and flesh with surgical precision.

Projectile Launchers are designed to deliver explosive area damage. They’re perfect for taking down groups of enemies or creating chaos in a battlefield.”

Hikari couldn’t help but glance over at the array of Energy Blades. He’d always admired their raw power and elegance, but he wasn’t sure if he was the type for something so up-close and brutal.

“These weapons speak for you,” Akari added. “In battle, your assault weapon will define you. It’s more than just a tool—it’s an extension of who you are.”

“Next”, Akari moved to the center of the hall, where weapons that seemed more versatile stood proudly. "These are Balance Weapons. They offer a combination of offense and defense, allowing you to handle various situations with ease. While they may not have the sheer destructive power of assault weapons, their adaptability makes them invaluable."

Dave nodded. “Balance weapons include:

Deflection Shields—a combination of offense and defense, perfect for those who like to control the flow of a fight. These shields can block incoming attacks and, if used correctly, push enemies back.

Energy Whips—flexible, long-range melee weapons that can strike multiple targets while offering some defense.

Modular Gauntlets—high-tech devices that can be adapted for offense or defense depending on the situation. A good choice for those who like to stay unpredictable in battle.”

“These weapons give you options,” Akari said. “You’re flexible, adaptable. You can shift your approach as the battle unfolds.”

Finally, Akari led the group toward the last section, where strange, almost alien-looking devices hummed with power. “And here we have Wave Manipulators. These weapons don’t rely on brute force. Instead, they manipulate the environment around you, disrupting your enemies’ abilities to fight back.”

Dave added, “Wave manipulators include:

Gravitic Manipulators—devices that can alter gravity, either increasing or decreasing it. This can make an enemy feel like they weigh a ton or float in mid-air, leaving them vulnerable.

Electromagnetic Pulsers—powerful tools that disable electronic systems. If you’re up against enemies relying on tech, these are invaluable.

Vibrational Resonators—these weapons manipulate sound or vibration to destabilize opponents. They’re perfect for disorienting or neutralizing large groups.”

Akari’s voice softened. “Wave Manipulators are all about control. You might not be able to take down an enemy with a single strike, but you can incapacitate them and manipulate the battlefield in your favor.”

As the cadets absorbed the information, their thoughts swirled. The weight of this decision hung heavy. There were a lot of weapons to choose from and whichever weapon they chose, it would not only be a tool—it would shape the way they fought, the way others saw them, and even the way they thought about themselves.

“Choose wisely,” Akari urged. “This is a decision that will stay with you throughout your career.”

As the cadets began making their selections, the air buzzed with excitement and tension. Akari moved from one cadet to the next, demonstrating the finer points of each weapon, her calm voice offering guidance. Meanwhile, Dave assisted cadets individually, analyzing their build and mental strength to suggest the best options. It was a well-oiled machine, each cadet carefully considering the weight of their decision.

The weapons hall buzzed with anticipation as the cadets moved through the rows of displayed equipment, their excitement tempered only by the weight of the decisions they were about to make. Groups naturally formed, with some cadets confidently testing weapons and others hesitating, unsure of where to begin.

Leona stood near the balance weapons, arms folded, her gaze darting between two options. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she looked over her shoulder. “Where’s Sensei? I wanted to ask him what he thinks,” she muttered.

Emi, standing nearby, shook her head. “He left right after the morning assembly. Said he had something important to take care of.”

Leona frowned. “Really, today of all days…”

“Don’t overthink it,” Emi said with a reassuring smile. “You’ve got good instincts.”

Leona sighed, turning back to the weapons. “Easier said than done.”

Across the room, Katsuhito and Tatsumi were in a bickering mode, standing amidst the assault weapons.

“I’m telling you, this one’s better,” Katsuhito said, gesturing to a sleek weapon with an exaggerated sense of confidence. “High-impact, minimal recoil. Perfect for someone with my… talents.”

Tatsumi rolled his eyes. “You mean your talent for showing off? You’d pick the flashiest thing here without even testing it.”

“It’s called making a statement, Maekawa,” Katsuhito shot back. “Something you wouldn’t understand.”

Reina, who had been casually inspecting a nearby display, chimed in with a smirk. “Your statement’s going to be how quickly you miss your shots with that thing.”

Katsuhito scoffed, puffing his chest. “I don’t miss.”

“Right,” Reina replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I’ll make sure to bring that up during the Iron-Wing Games.”

Shizuka stood off to the side, carefully examining a wave manipulator. Her movements were deliberate as she adjusted its settings, testing the responsiveness with precision.

“I wonder the best way to use this?” she whispered to herself.

Hikari snorted softly. “You’re so uptight. One would think the games were tomorrow.”

“Well, I can’t make mistakes” she replied, almost exasperated.

The mood in the hall ranged from lighthearted to intense. Some cadets, like Katsuhito and Tatsumi, thrived on the competitive atmosphere, while others, like Leona, wrestled with indecision.

As the selection period neared its end, the chatter grew louder. Cadets compared choices, teased each other, and shared their hopes for the Iron-Wing Games. Tatsumi finally settled on his weapon, looking smug as Katsuhito muttered something about “terrible decisions.” Shizuka, satisfied with her testing, set her choice aside with an air of quiet confidence.

Leona, after much deliberation, finally picked her weapon. She glanced at Emi, who gave her an encouraging nod. “Seems you’ve finally made a decision”

As the final selections were made, Akari and Dave began wrapping up their notes and inspecting the chosen equipment. The cadets exited the hall, their chatter echoing in the corridor as they shared thoughts on the day’s events and teased one another about the upcoming games.

Leona lingered for a moment before following the others. Her hand brushed the sleek frame of her weapon as she whispered, “I hope I made the right choice.”

The hall grew quiet once more, but the energy of the cadets lingered in the air, their excitement carrying forward to the challenges ahead.