Academy days (Book 2 of IA)

[23] Another day, another training

The underground training facility was left just like I remembered. 

The walls are made of rough, gray concrete, and there are rows of seats carved into the walls, rising up towards the grey ceiling. The seats are empty, and the only sound is the hum of the arena's lights. The floor of the arena is a wide, flat expanse of smooth concrete, marked with faint lines that divide it into sections. Overhead, a series of bright lights hang from the ceiling, casting harsh, angular shadows on the walls. The air is cool and musty, with a faint whiff of oil and metal. The whole arena has a sense of foreboding, as if it's a place where battles are fought not just for sport, but for survival.

"If you want make it through the summer tournaments, then I need to train you in MS combat training everyday till the day from dusk to dawn till the day of the tournament. Now is your last chance to quit." Isa said sternly as she crossed her arms. 

"I am not going anywhere." I stared at Isa with determination. 

"Very well fresh meat." Isa fished a controller out of her pocket then pressed a button.

The ground began to open up, as I feel a sense of anticipation rising within me.

The echoes of our footsteps fill the air as we approach the containers. The containers themselves are massive, towering above us like giant sentinels. As they open up, a rush of cold air hits me, and I see my Iron Angel MS revealed before me. It's a formidable sight, with its sleek design and deadly blade. The suit automatically equipped itself onto me like venom suit to spooder man. There was virtually no weight to the armor, it was as if I was wearing a piece of silk. Once equipped, a holographic screen of Rin popped up in front of me and her voice came through my helmet:

"Kick her ass Kard!"

The holographic screen shifted to her doing a cheering kaomoji:

＼(≧▽≦)／

Not wanting to provoke Isa, I decided to keep quiet. Then I took a quick peak at Isa, whom now equipped her MS: Freelancer. Her MS gleamed in the dim light. It's an outdated yet durable MS, with a long spear in one hand and a shield in the other.

Using the speaker on her MS, Isa's voice reverberates through my cockpit, serious and commanding. 

"If you want to be a skilled MS pilot, you need to understand that it's not just about piloting the machine. You need to learn how to analyze situations and make quick decisions under pressure. The machine is an extension of your body, but you are the one in control. And most importantly, you need to know how to work with your team and communicate effectively. Iron Angel is a top-of-the-line MS, no doubt. But speed is only one aspect of battle. You also need to be able to control your movements and respond quickly to changing situations."

"Yes, sir. I understand," I replied, but I can feel the butterflies in my stomach fluttering. Isa is known for being a strict trainer, and I know I am going to be in here for hell of a time.

Isa readies her spear and warns me, "I'll be using my spear, so you'll need to be careful and keep your distance. Don't let me get too close or you'll be in dead meat. Ready? Let's go."

Just like that, the battle was on. We began to circle each other, looking for an opening, and she strikes first with a lunge. I dodge and counter with a slash from my blade, narrowly missing her MS.

"Good reflexes, Kard. But you need to be more precise with your attacks. Don't waste your energy on wild swings. Aim for the joints and disable your opponent's mobility."

I nod, trying to keep my focus and not let the pressure get to me. The battle intensifies as we trade blows, and I'm grateful for the Iron Angel's speed, which allows me to outmaneuver Isa's attacks and strike back with my blade. 

If it wasn't for the fact that I have the best MS in the world and hers is outdated, there is no way in hell I can keep up with her!

Isa switches tactics, using feints and misdirection to throw off my timing. We clash again and again, with sparks dancing off our weapons.

"If you don't want to become dead meat, keep your focus and don't let your guard down!" Isa screamed.

We battle for what seems like an eternity, until finally, we both land a decisive blow on each other's mobile suits. Both machines shudder and sparks fly, and the battle comes to a sudden halt.

"I will call it a draw for now. Medium meat. You held your own against me, but you still have a lot to learn. Mobile suit combat is a never-ending process of improvement and adaptation. Keep training and you'll get there. Understood?" 

"Yes, sir! Thank you for the lesson. I'll keep working on it." I saluted out of instinct. 

"Good. Now let's head back to base and debrief." Isa said, as she unequipped her MS and began to make her way to the exit.

I unequipped my MS then quickly followed suit with her. 

Q: Have you ever done sword fencing before?