The Iron-Wing Games

A month had passed, and the day had finally arrived. The highly anticipated Iron-Wing Games—the most exciting event of the year for TMA students—was here at last. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the nervous energy and eagerness of cadets who had spent weeks preparing for this very moment.

After selecting their weapons a month earlier, the cadets had dedicated themselves to relentless practice, honing their skills and building their confidence. The time had come for them to announce their identities and demonstrate their growth.

The opening ceremony was scheduled to begin at 10:00, followed by the first stage of the games. This year’s games were spread across three intense days, each packed with challenges designed to test the cadets’ abilities. The event would culminate in the award ceremony on the final day, a moment that many aspired to reach.

Kaito met up with his students before the opening ceremony. Their expressions were a mix of excitement and nervousness, their anticipation noticeable in the crisp morning air. Over the past month, they had trained tirelessly, refining their physical and mental skills, and mastering the nuances of their chosen weapons. Now, the moment of truth had arrived.

“You’ve all worked hard this past month,” Kaito said, his voice calm yet encouraging. “There’s really nothing more I can add except this—good luck. I’m proud of you, and I’m rooting for every one of you.”

The simplicity of his words carried weight, easing some of the tension that clung to the group. A few nodded, determination flickering in their eyes, while others allowed faint smiles to break through their anxious expressions.

“Alright,” Kaito continued, glancing at the time. “Let’s move out. The ceremony’s about to begin.”

With that, he led the way, his students following behind, their nerves giving way to a growing sense of purpose.

The training grounds, now bustling with energy, had been transformed into an arena befitting the grandeur of the occasion. Flags bearing the TMA emblem fluttered proudly in the morning breeze, their vibrant colors adding to the festive atmosphere. Several tents had been erected, hosting an array of guests and invitees, while a separate, more prominent tent was reserved for executives and active officers, underscoring the significance of the event.

The cadets stood in neat rows on the open field, their uniforms crisp and their demeanor composed, visible to the audience seated nearby. They maintained disciplined postures, waiting patiently for the commandant to take the stage and signal the start of the games.

The commandant soon mounted the podium, delivering a brief but striking charge before officially declaring the Iron-Wing Games open. As he descended, a wave of anticipation swept through the cadets as his lieutenant, Fuyuko Sato, stepped forward to take the stage. Known for her fierce demeanor and sharp wit, the woman nicknamed “Metal Sister” commanded respect with her mere presence.

The moment she stood at the podium, the cadets instinctively straightened their posture, their eyes fixed on her with unwavering focus.

“Alright,” Fuyuko began, her voice sharp and authoritative. “For the next three days, you will participate in three primary events: the Skyborne Trial, the Formation Battle, and the Identity Clash.” Her gaze swept across the cadets, ensuring they were paying attention.

“During the Skyborne Trial, you’ll be tested on your ability to think quickly and adapt to sudden changes under pressure. Tomorrow, in the Formation Battle, you’ll be placed in randomly selected teams to compete against one another. This is designed to evaluate your ability to cooperate with unfamiliar faces and work as a unit, even in unpredictable situations.”

She paused briefly, letting her words sink in before continuing.

“Throughout these events, officers will be monitoring your performance closely and awarding points to each cadet. At the end of each day, the scoreboard will display your rankings based on the points you’ve earned.”

Her tone grew sharper as she reached the final segment. “On the last day, only those with the highest scores will advance to the Identity Clash. This ultimate test will determine your standing as cadets, your mastery of the skills you’ve honed, and the strength of your chosen identity. So I suggest you give it your all.”

Her piercing gaze lingered on the cadets for a moment before she concluded. “That’s all for now. Get ready, and may the best among you rise to the top.”

The cadets responded with a crisp, unified salute, their determination evident as they prepared for the challenges ahead. The Iron-Wing Games had officially begun.

The Skyborne Trials had officially begun, and the atmosphere was electric. The first task was nothing short of a nightmare dressed as a spectacle—a massive obstacle course hovering at an unimaginable altitude, appearing like a high-tech circus suspended in the clouds. The course was equipped with an array of futuristic gadgets and obstacles: gravity traps that shifted mid-flight, humanoid robots programmed to knock cadets off course, tranquilizer darts that made quick reflexes essential, and an ever-changing layout that felt alive. It was designed to test not only the cadets' physical endurance but also their mental agility and teamwork.

The challenge came with an added twist: cadets would participate in pairs, selected randomly. The rules were brutal—both cadets could pass if they worked in harmony, but rivalry or missteps could lead to only one passing—or worse, neither making it through. The pressure was palpable as the cadets stood on the platform overlooking the floating monstrosity.

Floating cameras buzzed at the corners of the course, broadcasting the cadets' every move to the audience below. Their families, friends, and officers from TMA watched eagerly, ready to cheer or gasp at every victory and stumble. The cadets’ apprehension grew as they stared at the trap-laden arena.

Fuyuko stepped forward, her commanding presence silencing the murmurs of nervous cadets. “Alright, listen up!” she barked. Her voice carried authority and a touch of menace, ensuring everyone paid attention. She held up a small box filled with folded slips of paper. “Pairs will be chosen at random. Once your name is called, step forward and prepare for deployment.”

The cadets exchanged uneasy glances. Some were more concerned about their potential partner than the course itself.

Fuyuko reached into the box and pulled out the first pair. “Hikari Shimizu from Kaito-sensei’s team, and Haru Noda from Mito-sensei’s team,” she announced.

Hikari stepped forward, his usual cheerfulness slightly dimmed by the gravity of the situation. Haru, on the other hand, had a steely determination in his eyes. Their movements sharp and coordinated, despite the nervous energy that rippled through them. Fuyuko nodded approvingly before raising her hand to signal the start.

"Get ready," she called out. "The clock is ticking. Begin!"

The sound of an electronic chime rang out, marking the start of the trial. The moment the signal was given, Hikari and Haru sprang into action. They quickly assessed their surroundings, calculating their best course of action. Hikari, known for his cheerfulness, maintained his focus, a testament to his resilience. Haru, quieter and more reserved, executed each movement with precision. They navigated the first set of gravity traps with ease, using their agility and quick thinking to avoid falling.

The humanoid robots advanced in their path, but the two worked in perfect synchronization, taking calculated risks and leaping over obstacles. The tranquilizer darts were a challenge, but they managed to dodge them thanks to sharp eyesight co-ordination. Their teamwork, though unexpected, was seamless, proving that they could push through their individual limitations.

When they finally crossed the finish line, they had done it—both had passed.

The audience, watching closely, erupted in applause, surprised at how well the unlikely pair had worked together. Their success was a statement: perhaps the obstacles that seemed insurmountable could be tackled with the right approach, even when paired with someone unfamiliar.

Fuyuko, observing their success, raised an eyebrow. "Well done," she said, her voice stern but not without a hint of respect. "You both passed. Next!"

The next few pairs took their turns, each facing the obstacle course with a mix of determination and fear. Some struggled, while others sailed through. The trials proved grueling for all, but each cadet pushed through in their own way.

Then Fuyuko reached into the box again. She pulled out two names, reading them aloud with her usual intensity: “Katsuhito Ogawa and Tatsumi Maekawa.”

Katsuhito stepped forward, his usual smirk barely hidden beneath a calm facade. His eyes scanned Tatsumi, who stood across from him, a look of focused determination in his eyes. Tatsumi had a reputation for his quiet intensity, and he wasn’t one to take things lightly.

The two locked eyes, an unspoken rivalry flaring between them. Their stares were icy, their expressions hard and unyielding. This wasn’t just about the trial—it was personal.

"You both know what’s at stake," Fuyuko said, her voice cutting through the tension. "I expect you to give it everything you have."

Without another word, the countdown began, and both Katsuhito and Tatsumi immediately positioned themselves for the challenge. The scene was set for a clash not just of skill, but of pride."