The Iron-Wing Games, Part III

At the end of the second day, the updated rankings were displayed, and the cadets were stunned by the dramatic shifts that had occurred. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as they took in the results, with some cadets celebrating their improved standings and others silently vowing to work harder.

Only the top 24 students would advance to the Identity Clash on the third day. To Kaito’s pride, all of his students had made the cut. Reina had secured an impressive 2nd place, while Tatsumi surprised everyone by claiming 5th place after his stellar leadership during the formation battles. Emi maintained her 6th-place standing, and Hikari held steady at 9th place.

For the teams that had failed to rescue a wanderer during the formation battles, an impromptu treasure hunt was held as a makeup challenge. Set within the dense forest, the treasure hunt served as an opportunity for redemption, requiring quick thinking and teamwork to recover their standings.

As the cadets dispersed for the evening, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the next stage of the games. With only the top contenders moving forward, the stakes had never been higher.

The final day of the Iron-Wing Games had arrived—a day laden with anticipation and high stakes. For the remaining 32 cadets, this was their ultimate chance to prove their mettle and showcase their unique abilities. Excitement crackled in the air as the crowd erupted into cheers, their voices merging into a roaring symphony. The Identity Clashes were always the highlight of the games, drawing audiences from all corners eager to witness the cadets' determination and individuality on full display.

As the participants gathered at the expansive training grounds, their expressions were a mixture of determination and nerves. Some exchanged quiet words of encouragement, while others stood in silent focus, preparing themselves for what lay ahead.

The commotion hushed instantly as the commandant stepped onto the elevated stage. His imposing presence alone was enough to command attention.

“You’ve successfully made it this far,” he began, his deep voice resonating across the grounds. “But today is the day that will determine if you truly deserve this opportunity. The Identity Clash is not just a test of skill, strategy, or strength—it is a test of who you are. Your choices, your instincts, and your resilience will decide the outcome. Only those who embody the spirit of the Iron-Wing will prevail.”

His gaze swept across the cadets, his piercing eyes challenging each of them. “Remember, this is not just a competition. It is a testament to your potential as future leaders in a world that demands excellence.”

The cadets stood at attention, the gravity of his words settling over them. The cheers of the crowd resumed, growing louder as the stage was cleared and preparations for the clashes began. Each cadet tightened their gear and adjusted their flight suits, knowing that the next few hours would test them like never before.

The final challenge was about to begin, and with it, the opportunity for each cadet to etch their identity into the annals of the Iron-Wing Games.

The crowd roared with anticipation as the first bout of the Identity Clash began. Shizuka Morikawa and Hikari Shimizu were the first pair to step into the arena, chosen by a randomized draw displayed on the massive holographic screen above the training grounds.

Shizuka stepped forward, her demeanor as sharp as her weapon. With a click on her wrist device, a dual-bladed staff materialized in her hands, its blades humming with a faint blue glow of energy. The staff extended and spun in a blur, its edges crackling as they cut through the air.

Across from her, Hikari activated his own weapon—a pair of short, plasma-edged swords. The sleek design of the weapons emitted a faint, golden shimmer as they calibrated to his movements. He crouched low, his typical cheer replaced with intense focus, his eyes darting to Shizuka’s every move.

“Let the first identity clash… begin!” the announcer’s voice boomed, silencing the audience for a moment before cheers erupted again.

Shizuka launched the first strike, her staff a spinning blur as she advanced. Hikari deflected with one sword while countering with the other, his agility allowing him to sidestep her heavier attacks. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, the energy shields around them flickering as they absorbed the shock of their movements.

The battle was fierce, and though Shizuka's precision and control were remarkable, Hikari’s speed proved overwhelming. With a well-timed feint, he slipped past her defenses and tapped his plasma blade against her torso—signaling the match's end.

Hikari Shimizu won the first bout, raising his weapons triumphantly as the crowd erupted in cheers.

Though a flicker of spite stirred within her, Shizuka took a steady breath, pushed it aside, and bowed respectfully, accepting her defeat with grace.

Later in the lineup, Tatsumi Maekawa stepped into the arena. Paired against a skilled opponent wielding a long-range energy whip, the odds didn’t seem in his favor. Tatsumi had been assigned to a team of uncooperative cadets during the formation battle, but today he seemed a different man.

He activated his weapon: a crescent glaive with a glowing core at its base. The weapon’s edges shimmered with a sharp, violet hue, capable of both close and mid-range attacks. Tatsumi spun the glaive in a figure-eight pattern, the blade leaving trails of energy in its wake.

His opponent wasted no time lashing out with the whip, its crack echoing across the arena. Tatsumi parried effortlessly, using his weapon’s reach to control the pace of the fight. With each counter, he pushed his opponent back, displaying a level of precision and dominance that left the audience in awe.

Then came his decisive moment. Tatsumi lunged forward, his glaive carving an arc of violet light through the air. His opponent scrambled to defend, but it was too late. The tip of the glaive hovered inches from their chest, and the match was called.

Tatsumi Maekawa stood victorious, his cool demeanor unchanged despite the crowd’s wild applause.

The competition continued with cadets showcasing their unique identities in ways that captivated the audience. One of the most remarkable moments came during the elimination rounds of sixteen, in Reina’s match against Sam Suzuki, the top-ranked cadet from the previous two days. Despite the odds stacked against her, Reina shone brilliantly, demonstrating near-perfect control and balance with her weapon. Using a pulser with exceptional precision, she turned what seemed like a hopeless match into a stunning comeback, leaving the audience in awe of her skill and determination.

“Alright!” Fuyuko announced, her voice echoing across the arena. “The contestants for the next bout, Katsuhito Ogawa and Leona Muller, step forward!”

Katsuhito stepped into the arena, his usual confident smirk replaced with a flicker of hesitation as he faced Leona across the battlefield. The audience, sensing his uncharacteristic demeanor, murmured in curiosity. Leona stood tall, her piercing gaze locked onto him, her dual personality now fully focused and determined.

She had grown increasingly desperate as the competition progressed. Falling short of the top ranks on the first day and barely making it through the second had taken its toll on her confidence. The pressure to prove herself weighed heavily on her shoulders, driving her to the brink. This time, she was determined to shine—no matter what it took.

“You’re not going to go easy on me because I’m a girl, are you?” she said, her voice steady but laced with a challenge.

Katsuhito hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. “I mean… it’s not exactly my style to—”

“Don’t.” Leona cut him off, stepping forward. “Don’t insult me like that. I’m here to fight, not to be patronized.”

Her words struck a chord, and Katsuhito straightened up, his usual arrogance replaced with a rare seriousness. “Alright, fine. Let’s give them a show.”

The match began, and both fighters sprang into action. Katsuhito wielded a sleek energy saber, its blade humming with precision and control. Leona, on the other hand, used a pair of energy gauntlets, their edges glowing with cutting power.

Leona came at him fast, her movements sharp and relentless. Katsuhito, despite his usual bravado, found himself on the defensive, evading her strikes with calculated footwork. Her desperation to prove herself was evident in every move, her attacks relentless as she pushed him harder than any opponent before.

But Katsuhito couldn’t bring himself to strike back with full force. Each time he raised his saber, he hesitated, the thought of hurting her clouding his instincts.

“You’re holding back!” Leona shouted, her voice cracking with emotion. “Do you think I can’t take it? Fight me, Katsuhito!”

Her words hit like a lightning bolt. Katsuhito clenched his jaw and finally retaliated, his saber flashing in a series of precise strikes. Leona countered with her gauntlets, sparks flying as their weapons clashed. The audience was on the edge of their seats, captivated by the raw intensity of the match.

Despite her valiant effort, Leona began to tire. Katsuhito, regaining his confidence, found an opening and disarmed her with a swift, decisive strike. Her gauntlets flew to the ground, and she stumbled back, breathing heavily.

The match was over. Katsuhito extended a hand to help her up, his expression surprisingly soft. “Are you okay?” he asked in a gentle tone.

“I’m fine. Don’t bother yourself with me,” she replied, but her trembling voice and downcast gaze told a different story.

Katsuhito paused, watching her for a moment before speaking again. “You know,” he said, his voice steady but kind, “I was actually driven to a corner you know. So what I’m trying to say is, you were really tough”

Leona looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with a mix of frustration and gratitude. “You mean that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Katsuhito smiled, offering a light shrug. “Of course, and I’d like to spar with you again.”

Leona looked at him, her face flushed from exhaustion and emotion. For a moment, her usual composure faltered, and she took his hand. “Thanks… but don’t think you’ll get the best of me next time” she said softly, her voice tinged with a newfound respect and perhaps the faintest hint of something deeper.

As they left the arena, the audience erupted into applause. Katsuhito’s usual arrogance was replaced by a quiet sense of pride, while Leona, though defeated, walked away with her head held high and her heart a little fuller.