Chapter 5: The Way of Thor (3)

I am very generous today I am publishing this second chapter, I hope you will like it.


"This uniform, I see"


I start scratching my head while laughing nervously because Sara looks at me with a look that says we're going to have a long conversation. Everyone lines up in front of Sara while I get into a position where I have both of them in front of my eyes, which is certainly intriguing.


"The instructor Sara and I will explain to you why you were placed in this class and why I know that will be revealed as well," which gives me all the attention and a questioning look from Sara.


"Indeed I want to know the purpose behind this class VII," asks Jusis.


"I mean, I understand the fact that it's a kind of melting pot that includes a broad cross-section of the population" Emma gives her opinion.


"But why did you choose us 10 in particular? "Laura asks.


"As you may have noticed that class VII does not make a difference between the noblemen and the commoners, and this for a reason, as you had seen or noticed the academy is separated between the noblemen in class I to II and the commoners in class III to V, what do you think it reflects?" I ask everyone.


Emma raises her hand


"Yes Emma-kun"


" This represents the current situation in the Empire with the nobles on one side and the citizens on the other "


" Indeed, and the class goal is to break down that wall, but not one of the biggest reasons "


"What do you mean by that?" Rean asks me, even more, confused by my answer.


"Instructors Sara" I look at Sara giving her the signal to explain the situation.


"To answer Laura's question, there isn't a monolithic reason why you were chosen... but, if I had to name one major factor that contributed to all this, it would be the ARCUS orbement you have.


Which makes everyone take out their ARCUS...


"How is that possible? "asks Rean.


"As I explained earlier, the ARCUS unit was jointly developed by the Epstein Foundation, the Reindford Company, and the Elios Group.


"The Elios Group, I've never heard of them?"


" It came out this year and is starting to have a lot of influence right now, rumor has it that the genius inventor Zero founded the group," says Jusis.


Then Alise and Sarah give me a look that I pretend I didn't notice...


"Taking over like any battle orbements, they allow you to use the arts and have built-in communication capabilities"


"But their characteristic feature is known as combat linking, which is the phenomenon you experienced just a moment before. "Explains Sara


"Then that's what it was," said Alisa.


"Seems to be a pretty appropriate term. I felt like we were all connected, in one way or another," Elliot adds.


"Precisely! It doesn't take a genius to imagine the advantage of such a thing on a real battlefield."


"An elite team that can feel each other's movement, acting in perfect sync, even under the most chaotic conditions... You can hardly put a price on that! "


"This could lead to a revolution in the way wars are fought."


"Um... That sounds rather..." Laura starts her sentence


"... Idealist " Fie finishes it


"Well, yes, technology has its limits. Some people have a natural aptitude for it, others just... don't."


"And of this year's class of bright-eyed students, you nine had the greatest aptitude."


" And since aptitude trumps background in Class VII, well... here you are. But as it turns out, an extra member has joined you without my knowledge."


Everybody's looking at me


"Calm down, I told you that when everyone is here I'll explain my situation."


"Well, we're waiting for you to explain"


"Compared to the rest of you when I arrived at the Academy I was supposed to meet the principal but I noticed I wasn't on the student list, surprised I asked the principal the reason he told me I was a special case"


"What kind of special case Nii-san"


"That I'm a Class VII member but also a sub-instructor."


"Huh!????????? "


"What do you mean I wasn't aware of it," exclaimed Sarah.


"I had the same reaction I wanted to decline but my status was approved by the Academy's Board of Directors and the Emperor himself, so my hands are completely tied. "


"Wait can if you're a student and an instructor so that means... "


"Which means that in addition to following the curriculum I have to teach on any subject I want, jinx, if I catch the clown who came up with that idea I'll have two words for him."


"Wait a minute, does that mean the one who sent the guy in the mask was you?"


"Guilty as charged, I am the one who placed these two individuals in your path."


"Why did you do that? "Machias asks me.


"Why do you think I did this? "I ask them the question


"... "


"If you've been following everything that's happened you should see the board, Elliot can you tell me the answer to that question."


"Hey, why me? "


"I just want to hear your opinion, that's all, to give you a little advice every word that has been said since the beginning of this orientation counts, even if you're wrong it doesn't matter and don't be afraid to say the words.


" Understood, so from what I understood of the situation each individual had a purpose in attacking us "


"What's the point?"


"I think to test us in a real situation but also to teach us something"


"Oh, I like your analysis, keep going, Elliot," says Sara.


"From the beginning of this orientation each of us had our vision of what our life was going to be like at the Academy, but when the goal of Class VII was announced and before the orientation began we separated and went our separate ways without thinking of the consequences of our actions, if these two men wanted to hurt us they would have succeeded because they seemed to have more experience than us in real combat and on the battlefield. "


Everyone's slowly starting to understand where Elliot's going with this.


"To sum it all up, it was a test to see how we would react to an unexpected situation and how we would have reacted to it because in a mission nothing ever goes as planned".


*Clap* *Clap* *Clap*


I applaud Elliot's analysis...


"Good answer, you've analyzed the situation using all the elements at your disposal and have come to a completely plausible conclusion, Congratulations," I congratulate Elliot, who starts to blush.


"You make me blush Yuno-san"


"Just know that this little exercise is just a taste of what you might experience in the military or similar organizations before I announce your results let me tell you that to implement a program like Class VII has raised a lot of money from the academy and other partners."


Then Sara goes on after me


"As Yuno said this program is not cheap, so we are not willing to force anyone to participate if they don't want to be here. Be aware that the curriculum for Class VII will be more demanding than that of any other class. Just a little warning. "


"...So now you knew. And that leaves you all with an important decision to make: Will you stay with the Class VII, or not? " I've finished saying


Everybody starts thinking and everyone looks at each other when I walk up.


"You can already count me among those who are going to participate in Class VII, that's one of the main reasons for my registration, but with the fact that I've become an assistant instructor I can't give up."


"Okay, got it." Then Sarah seems to remember something...


"If you withdraw, you will simply be placed in the class to which you would otherwise have been assigned. There is no pressure. Nobles will land in class I or II, commoners in class III, IV or V. It's still just the first day, so there's no catching up to do. I'm sure you'd adapt very well. "Sara announces


Rean starts to look pensive and then moves forward...


"Rean Schwartzer, I'll do it. Whatever Class VII has to throw at me, I'm in. "


That surprises everyone except me and Fie.


"Wait, what?!" exclaimed Alisa.


"Just like that?" Elliot asks.


"...So you're the second, then. You seem pretty sure about that. Any particular reason? "


"Not really. I feel like I've kicked my family out by asking them to send me to this school. So, if it gives me more time to devote to my stay here, I will take every opportunity I can get. "


"Mmm. A noble sentiment. "


"I knew you wouldn't disappoint me Rean, I'm happy as a brother and a classmate but more importantly as your instructor and know that our family doesn't blame you for making this decision and we're proud of you, that's what dad would have said."


"Thank you very much Nii-san"


Rean's statement makes others question why they want to get into Class VII.


Laura steps forward


"...Count me in too. The bigger the challenge, the more I can push myself to excel. You can't sharpen a blade without guts, after all. "Laura announces


Then Gaius steps forward


"Let's make it four. Considering how far I've come to this school, it's ridiculous to back out before I've even started. "he adds


"Well, it looks like we have the second strongest first-year student in the country on board, and our exchange student abroad, too. Any other takers? "Sara says


Then it's Emma's turn


"Allow me to participate as well. I was only able to come thanks to the generosity of the school, so I feel I must help in any way I can. "


Elliot takes his courage in both hands and steps forward as well.


"Sign me up too! I feel like fate brought us here for a reason, you know? And I think it'll be easy to get along with each other. "


"And this is from our two Orbal scepter testers. Although I feel obligated to remind you... your weapons are still in the prototype stage, so in addition to your other work, I'll be expecting reports from both of you."


"Heh. Of course, I will." Emma responds with a smile.


"I may have spoken too soon. "Elliot as in being a depressive


"Don't worry, I'll give you a hand with your reports, I don't look like it, but I know a lot about orbital technology."


"You are my savior Yuno-kun"


"Let me join you, too."


I hear Alisa's voice saying, I turn my head towards her, and then she comes forward.


"I was pretty sure you'd rebel and just back off on principle. "Sara said she was surprised at Alisa's reaction...


"It bothers me that you made us use these ARCUS units that are still quite clearly in development...but if I let every little detail like that hold me back, I would never have been so important. "she replies.


"Hahaha. Words to live by, right there. And that brings us to seven. What about you, Fie? "


"I don't care one way or the other. You can choose. "Answer Fie to Sara just when Sara is going to reprimand her...


"Fie, answer seriously to the question of the instructor Sarah, I would not accept any half-back answer, understood, " I tell him with a serious and authoritative tone and air that shocks everyone because my tone is different than the one I used at the time which was more friendly.


My voice takes her by surprise.


"Understood," she says.


"So what's your answer? "I ask her in the same voice


"All right. I'm in. I'm in. "She responds to me by coming forward, looking a little annoyed.


"Well, at least you committed. We have a beautiful eight now... "


Everyone turns to Jusis and Machias


"...which leaves only the two of you. "


" ... "


" ... "


' I swear on the goddess that if they start fighting again I will knock them out with so much work that they will beg me to stop,' I say to myself.


"I can see that you have problems with each other, but that doesn't mean that you can't at least TRY to work together. So, if you look beyond your differences and embrace the joys of youth, I am sure you will become the best of friends!


"AS IF WE WERE GOING TO DO IT" Machias starts shouting.


"The exploitation of the people by the aristocracy is a scourge in all aspects of life in Erebonie. If nothing is done, this country has no future. "


"...I appreciate your candor, but I don't think you'll get much out of lecturing me about it. "


"Haem" Machias turns to me...


"Machias-kun, although your words have a certain legitimacy and I agree with some of them, you have the right to express them, but I would like you not to say things that could be misinterpreted because your point of view is only based on what is happening to the capital and the territories concerning the 4 great noble houses. If you don't know it yet, I am of noble birth, my family owns a baronet in the north of the empire near the valley of Ymir, and yet I have never used my statue to oppress people of modest background, Since my youngest I have helped to develop my family's territory to be a haven of peace where its people lack nothing and breathe the joy of life and I have worked hard to get there and am very close to them even when Rean who was adopted and grew up in my family, was treated and raised without any prejudice and with respect even when we were disliked by the other nobles because he is my little brother. Now, Machias-kun I would like you to refrain from saying what being a nobleman is supposed to be by your standards and your point of view. "


My little speech shut him up


"Sorry for saying careless words, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."


Then Jusis comes forward like the others too.


"At least it simplifies things. I, Jusis Albarea, claim my place as a member of Class VII."


What surprises everyone else but me and Sarah


"...Huh?" exclaimed Rean.


"Wh-why?!" also exclaimed Machias...


"You're the son of a duke! Just the thought of being in the same class as the commoner should make you sick! "exclaimed Machias


"Thank you for not telling me how I'm supposed to feel. As far as the house of Albarea is concerned, there is little difference between the nobles and the commoners. Besides, it should at least ensure that I won't have idiots fluttering around every day trying to win my favor. "


" ... "


"It's coming," I say, which still earns me questioning glances from my comrades...


"That said, I have little interest in getting caught up in your little daily squabbles, either. I think it would be prudent for us to go our separate ways. I'm sure we can at least agree on that, no. "


"I don't need some pompous ass who spends his life on his father's coattail telling me what to do. I'm in too, whether it's hell or high seas! You may have had your success by the spoon so far, but no old-fashioned class system is going to give you trophies. "


"( I give up, I try everything but they'll always find a way to fight, which leaves me with only one thing to do ) " I tell myself


"(* sighs* They're gonna be like this for most of the year, right?)" Rean tells Alisa.


"(Sounds like it. I wouldn't bet they'd agree.) Alisa replies, noticing that she's talking to Rean she turns around.


"(Oh)" Rean is surprised by the reaction of Alisa


"(Ahaha... Pots shouldn't be too hard for kettles)" says Elliot.


"(Give a guy a chance...)" reply Rean


*Clap* *Clap*


Sara claps her hands


"What do you say? Ten out of ten! On that note, I'd like to congratulate you all on being the very first Class VII. I hope you'll keep your good humor throughout the year because with the workload we have planned for you, you'll need it! "


At the top of the stairs where the students and their instructor are located are two men, one is the principal of the school and the other is none other than Prince Olivert.


"Well, well, well. I didn't expect Class VII to be as diverse as this one. It certainly promises to be an interesting year. "


"Hahaha. You took the words right out of my mouth. But maybe that too is the divine providence of the goddess, no? "


"What it's supposed to mean? "


"Seeing them out there, I feel they have the potential to be the light we seek. A light that can break through the storm cloud that continues to build over our nation day after day? "


Then Olivert notices Yuno looking in his direction and sees him moving his lips...


" What does he say " If I catch you you're going to have a hard time, Olivert, get ready " "


"Looks like our young friend is angry at you."


"Looks like it." Olivert laugh

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