Field Deployment Programs

The assembly grounds were alive with anticipation as the cadets stood in formation under the early morning light. Kaito stood to the side, his gaze sweeping over his students. Emi whispered something to Reina and Leona, while Hikari nervously adjusted his gloves. Katsuhito smirked confidently, as usual, and Tatsumi maintained his calm demeanor.

The academy bell rang, silencing the low murmur of voices. The Commandant strode to the podium, his authoritative presence commanding instant attention.

“Good morning,” he started, his voice carrying effortlessly across the grounds. “It has been a long road to this point. Each of you standing here today has proven your dedication, your resilience, and your potential. Through the Iron-Wing Games, the Vanguard Exchange, and countless hours of training, you have shown us what you’re capable of.”

He paused, letting his words settle. A few cadets shifted proudly, their chests swelling at the acknowledgment of their efforts.

“But,” the commandant continued, “as you all know, the journey does not end here. Today, we embark on the next phase: the Field Deployment Programs. These programs are not just another exercise. They are your opportunity to apply everything you’ve learned in real-world scenarios, to test your skills in environments where there are no second chances. This is the proving ground for those who aspire to be aero operatives.”

A murmur of anticipation rippled through the crowd.

“However,” He added, “only those of you who have earned your Aero Operative Certificates are eligible to participate. You already know this, but let it serve as a reminder that this privilege was not given lightly. It was earned.”

The cadets nodded silently, the weight of her words sinking in.

“The Field Deployment Programs will demand more of you than anything you’ve faced so far,” the commandant concluded. “I trust that you will rise to the occasion.”

With that, he stepped back, and the cadets erupted into cheers, their determination reignited.

Kaito watched quietly, pride mingling with a touch of apprehension. The real test was about to begin.

The classroom buzzed with lively chatter as the students discussed their plans for the Field Deployment Programs. Some leaned back in their chairs, arms crossed as they contemplated their options, while others exchanged animated comments about their placements.

Reina spun a pen between her fingers, her brows furrowed. “I’m still not sure. I mean, tactical support sounds exciting, but I’d rather be out there flying instead of managing logistics.”

Hikari, seated nearby, gave her a confident grin. “You should join the Rapid Response Unit. You’ve got the energy for it.”

Reina shot him a playful glare. “Says the guy who probably wants to be in Search and Rescue just because it makes him look cool.”

“Hey!” Hikari protested, holding up his hands in mock offense. “Helping people is noble!”

Katsuhito smirked, leaning back. “I’ve already decided. Combat strategy division. It’s where the best go.” He shot a glance at Emi. “How about you?”

Emi looked up from her notebook, where she’d been jotting down some last-minute notes. Her voice was steady but carried a hint of excitement. “I’ll be doing mine at the Skyveil Reconnaissance Unit of the PSIA in Kyoto. It’s a perfect fit for me—spying and investigative work.”

Shizuka raised an eyebrow. “The PSIA? That’s... intense.”

“It is,” Emi admitted, her gaze firm. “But I think it’s the kind of challenge I need.”

Tatsumi, sitting calmly at his desk, adjusted his tie with a smug grin. “Some of us have already secured their places,” he said, his tone tinged with pride.

“Oh? Where are you headed, Tatsumi?” Leona asked, genuinely curious.

He leaned back, exuding confidence. “Through my family’s connections, I’ll be working with the Imperial Guards at the Kantei, directly under the Prime Minister’s security detail.”

Reina rolled her eyes. “Of course. Leave it to you to land a VIP position.”

“It’s not just about connections,” Tatsumi said, his smirk unwavering. “I’ve earned my place, too.”

Hikari chuckled. “Sure you did. By being born into the right family.”

The group laughed, lighthearted teasing filling the air. Despite their banter, there was admiration in their eyes. Tatsumi’s placement was nothing short of impressive.

Leona, quiet until now, looked thoughtful. “Kyoto for Emi, the Kantei for Tatsumi... everyone’s got these big plans. I’m still deciding. Something analytical, maybe.”

Katsuhito gave a mock sigh. “Figures. You’d choose something boring.”

“Better boring than reckless,” Leona shot back, though her tone was light.

The group laughed, the tension of their decisions melting into camaraderie. Despite their differing paths, the unspoken bond of shared experience held them together.

As the conversation continued, Kaito quietly entered the room, observing his students with a small, proud smile. This was their moment to shine, and he was eager to see where their journeys would lead.

The sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden hue over the bustling airfield. Emi stood near the boarding ramp of the sleek, silver airship, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. Despite her usual composure, there was a slight unease in her eyes as she glanced back at the group that had come to see her off.

Kaito, Reina, Shizuka, and Hikari stood together, each offering their own form of encouragement.

“Good Luck, Emi,” Kaito said, his tone steady but warm. “It might be tough, but I know you’ll do well.”

Reina crossed her arms, smirking. “Don’t let those government types boss you around too much. Show them what we’ve got.”

Shizuka gave a polite nod, her voice soft. “We’ll be rooting for you. Make us proud.”

Hikari, always the optimist, grinned wide. “Hey, bring back some cool stories! And don’t forget to grab souvenirs—Kyoto has amazing food!”

Emi laughed lightly, their support easing some of her nerves.

She stepped toward the ramp but turned back one last time, her gaze lingering on Kaito. “Sensei... thank you. For everything.”

Kaito offered a small smile.

With a final wave, Emi ascended the ramp and disappeared into the airship. The engines hummed, and moments later, the massive vessel lifted off, gliding gracefully into the sky.

As the group watched the airship fade into the horizon, Kaito glanced at his students, his expression unreadable. “She’ll be fine. Now, let’s make sure you’re all ready as well.”

They nodded in unison, the weight of the FDP settling over them as they walked away from the airfield.

The soft hum of the airship engines filled the cabin, a steady rhythm against the backdrop of Emi’s swirling thoughts. She leaned her head against the window, watching the sprawling landscapes rush by beneath her. Kyoto was drawing closer, but her mind drifted back to how far she had come.

Her first year at TMA had been nothing short of overwhelming. New faces, rigorous training, and the constant pressure to prove herself. Emi had entered the academy with no military background, unlike many of her peers. She had been thrust into a world of aerial combat drills and tactical lessons, all while trying to shake off the doubts planted by her family. “The military isn’t for you, Emi,” her father had said with furrowed brows. “You’re better off pursuing something safer, more stable.”

But despite their disapproval, she had persevered. Her first tutor had been strict, a no-nonsense instructor who rarely offered praise but expected nothing less than excellence. Under his guidance, Emi had built the foundations of her skills, finding friendships among her peers along the way.

It was in her second year, though, that things truly changed. When Kaito had taken over as their tutor, the dynamic had shifted entirely. His teaching style was different—not softer, but more empathetic. He pushed them hard but believed in their potential, and that belief had ignited something in Emi.

Her lips curved into a faint smile as she thought of him. Kaito wasn’t just a teacher—he was a force that inspired them all to be better. She’d never forget how he’d treated her as an equal, not just a student. His support, combined with the friendships she had formed, had given her the courage to aim higher than she ever thought possible.

The airship gave a subtle jolt, signaling the descent. Emi glanced out the window and saw Kyoto sprawled below, a city steeped in tradition yet pulsing with modernity. The PSIA headquarters soon came into view, its sleek, angular design standing proudly amidst the urban landscape.

Her heart quickened as the airship touched down. She adjusted her uniform, squared her shoulders, and stepped off onto the busy platform. Officers moved with purpose, and the hum of activity filled the air. Emi turned her gaze upward, taking in the towering structure of the agency.

This was it—the start of her FDP at one of the most prestigious units in the country. She inhaled deeply, a fire of determination lighting in her chest.

With steady steps, she approached the PSIA building, the glow of resolve in her eyes as the towering doors swung open to welcome her into the next phase of her journey.