As the next class continued, Mia, Raika, and Lina headed to the plasma training ground.
Mia couldn't contain her excitement. "This is so exciting! I'm finally going to hold a gun for the first time!"
Lina echoed her enthusiasm, "Me too! We've been practicing with saber swords for so long, and now we finally get to train with a gun."
Raika, always the cautious one, chimed in, "A gun? Be careful, guys. Guns are dangerous, and you must not handle them carelessly."
Mia pouted playfully. "Raika, your not my mother. I can handle it."
Lina chuckled at the exchange, shaking her head. "Don't worry, Raika. We'll be careful. Let's just enjoy this new experience."
As they arrived at the open area designated for plasma gun training, the instructor, a tall, stern-looking woman with sharp eyes and a confident demeanor, stood before the class. She held a sleek, futuristic plasma gun in her hands.
"Alright, everyone, listen up," the instructor began, her voice commanding attention. "Today, we're going to learn how to use a plasma gun. This is not a toy. Treat it with respect and handle it responsibly at all times."
She held up the gun, showing it to the students. "This is a standard-issue plasma gun. Unlike conventional weapons, it's powered by your mana. The energy cell here," she pointed to a compartment on the side of the gun, "acts as a conduit for your mana, channeling it into a concentrated plasma beam."
The instructor continued, "To fire the gun, you need to grip it firmly with both hands. Your dominant hand should be on the trigger, while your other hand supports the barrel. This will help you maintain control and accuracy."
She demonstrated the correct grip and stance, then pointed to a button on the side of the gun. "This is the safety switch. Always make sure it's on when you're not actively firing. When you're ready to shoot, switch it off. Aim carefully using the sight at the top, align your target, and gently squeeze the trigger."
Aiming at a distant target, she demonstrated a precise shot, the plasma beam hitting the bullseye with a burst of light. "As you fire, focus your mana into the gun. The more mana you channel, the stronger the beam. But be careful not to overexert yourself."
She looked around the class, making sure everyone was paying attention. "Any questions so far?"
The students, including Raika, Mia, and Lina, shook their heads, eager to start their practice.
"Good," the instructor said. "Now, pair up and take turns practicing. I'll be walking around to assist and correct your form. Remember, safety first. Let's get to it!"
As only ten students could take turns at a time, the atmosphere in the open training area buzzed with anticipation. The sun cast long shadows across the field, highlighting the rows of barrels set up as targets. The plasma gun in Mia's hands felt heavy and unfamiliar, its sleek design glinting in the light.
Mia stepped up first, her grip firm but her hands slightly unsteady. She took a deep breath, aimed at the barrels, and squeezed the trigger. Blue plasma bolts shot out, their energy crackling through the air. However, each shot missed the target, dissipating into nothingness before reaching the barrels.
"Ugh, this is harder than I thought," Mia muttered, lowering her gun, frustration evident on her face.
Next up was Lina. The grass crunched softly under her feet as she approached the firing line. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment to center herself, then opened them with a determined gaze. She aimed and fired, her shots grazing the sides of the target but not hitting dead center. After 40 shots, her mana was nearly depleted, and she stepped back, panting slightly.
Mia sighed, her shoulders slumping. "We really have to rely on our mana to fire these guns."
The instructor, standing nearby with a watchful eye, nodded. "That's correct. You must channel your mana effectively. Regular guns won't penetrate any mana-powered mech." He gestured towards a massive, dormant mech standing at the edge of the training ground, its imposing figure casting a shadow over the students.
The other students watched intently, the hum of conversation and the occasional zap of plasma filling the air. The scent of ozone lingered as each shot was fired, and the distant chirping of birds provided a stark contrast to the high-tech training exercise. The stakes felt high, and the realization that their success depended on their control over their own energy added an extra layer of tension to the practice session.
When it was Raika's turn, she stepped forward with a calm determination. Her eyes flickered, and a digital overlay appeared in her vision. Calculations, angles, and trajectories were displayed in real-time, giving her precise data on the targets. Her internal systems hummed as they processed the information with a futuristic status interface.
Target Distance: 50 meters
Wind Speed: 3.2 m/s, South-West
Optimal Firing Angle: 27 degrees
Mana Output: 85%
Estimated Impact Force: 2000 N
With her calculations complete, Raika aimed the plasma gun with precision. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, and then fired.
Each shot was imbued with devastating power. The first plasma bolt hit the barrel dead center, obliterating it in an instant. The second and third shots followed in quick succession, not only destroying the remaining barrels but also creating a sizable crater in the ground. The energy from the shots caused a shockwave that rippled through the training area, sending dust and debris flying.
The instructor, her friends, and the other students all took a step back, eyes wide in astonishment. The silence was thick with awe and a hint of fear. The barrel of the gun in Raika's hand glowed red-hot from the sheer force of the plasma shots.
The instructor, a stern-looking woman with a strong presence, finally broke the silence. Her voice was tinged with disbelief. "Raika, how exactly powerful are you? I thought you couldn't use mana."
Raika, sweating heavily from the exertion, tried to play it off with a playful smile. "It's just beginner's luck," she said, tapping her head with her fist and giving a cute, innocent look. "Tehe!" Her demeanor was so disarmingly sweet that it momentarily diffused the tension, though the evidence of her power was undeniable.
As Raika tried to maintain her playful demeanor, her Assistant's voice resonated in her thoughts.
"Master, you should not show off your skills and arsenal of perfect accuracy like that. Your being could be compromised."
"I know, I know," Raika thought back, still smiling outwardly. "I just got a little excited."
She continued to hold her cheerful facade, hoping her friends and the instructor wouldn't press her further.
The instructor's eyes widened as she studied Raika. "Wait, are you the daughter of the legendary Guardian Ranger?"
Raika's face flushed slightly as she shook her head. "No, I'm not."
Her classmates burst into laughter at the question, the tension from Raika's impressive display dissipating as they found humor in the moment. Raika joined in with a light chuckle, grateful for the distraction.
As the others continued their training, Raika sat on the sidelines, watching her friends and classmates. Mia and Lina were focused, their expressions determined as they aimed their plasma guns. The instructor moved among the students, offering guidance and encouragement.
Raika observed the scene with a mix of pride and longing. Her friends were making steady progress, their shots gradually becoming more accurate. The air was filled with the hum of charged plasma and the occasional cheer of success.
She sighed, feeling the weight of her own secret. As much as she enjoyed being with her friends, she couldn't help but feel a bit isolated, knowing that her abilities set her apart in ways they couldn't fully understand.
As Katsuya watched from a distance, his expression turned to one of shock and disbelief. He muttered to himself, "Shit, I never thought Raika could be that powerful." His eyes widened as he observed Raika effortlessly demonstrating her skills with the plasma gun. "She's almost on par with the legendary Guardian Ranger. I never knew a cyborg could possess that kind of power."
His thoughts raced as he tried to reconcile the image of Raika as a powerful entity capable of such feats. The realization unsettled him, stirring a mix of admiration and unease.
Katsuya muttered to himself, a mix of admiration and frustration evident in his voice, "I could never attain that kind of power, even if I am Class B. Not in a million years." His gaze remained fixed on Raika, silently acknowledging her abilities while grappling with his own limitations.
As Raika turned her head towards where Katsuya was hiding, he muttered to himself, "Shit, she noticed me," and quickly ducked behind a barrel. Raika's enhanced vision allowed her to see through the barrels, and she wondered aloud, "What is he up to this time, stirring trouble again?" The Assistant chimed in, "It appears so, with a 50% chance of possibility, but theoretically only." Raika sighed in relief, murmuring to herself, "What a relief."
As they finished their firing exercises, Raika and her friends walked down the hallway. Mia eagerly spoke up, "You're going to teach me next time, right Raika?" Lina nodded in agreement, adding, "Count me in too! You're a prodigy, Raika." Fay joined them, chiming in with a grin, "Hey friends, I heard Raika almost obliterated the barrels and the entire training ground they were on! Hahaha!" Her laughter echoed down the corridor as Raika blushed, feeling a mix of pride and embarrassment at the attention.
As Fay called out to Katsuya from across the training ground, her voice carried a mischievous tone. "Katsuya, stop hiding there and come here!"
Katsuya, caught off guard, scratched his head sheepishly. "How did you know I was hiding here?" he asked, his expression a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.
Fay chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I was in Class S, remember? I can spot a hiding spot a mile away, you dummy!"
Katsuya grinned awkwardly, ruffling his hair as he approached them. In his mind, he raced through scenarios of how Raika might react to his earlier antics. "Oh no," he thought to himself, "Raika's going to roast me alive for what I did!"
As the afternoon sunlight cast long shadows across the academy courtyard, Katsuya approached Raika and her friends, his voice shaking as he managed to stutter out, "G-g-good afternoon, Raika." Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, and Raika looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and awkwardness.
Before Raika could respond, Fay, ever playful, jumped in teasingly, "Is Raika your crush, Katsuya?" Her laughter rang out, and Katsuya's face turned a shade of red. "N-no, I'm not!" he insisted, his voice faltering under the teasing scrutiny.
Mia and Lina couldn't contain their laughter at the spectacle unfolding before them. Raika, sensing Katsuya's discomfort, smiled gently and tried to ease the tension. "It's okay, Katsuya. I understand," she said softly, hoping to reassure him.
As Mia and Lina joined in, their giggles echoing through the hallway, Katsuya stood before Raika, his hands nervously fidgeting. He stammered out an apology, his voice laced with embarrassment, "I'm sorry for accusing you of being a cyborg. It was just a bluff, and it must have made you uncomfortable. I didn't mean to put us all in an awkward position."
Raika watched him quietly, her expression calm and understanding. She replied softly, "Oh, no need to worry about it, Katsuya. As long as no one got hurt, it's okay." Her words were gentle, trying to ease the tension that had crept into the conversation.
Fay, still amused by the situation, couldn't resist teasing, "I think Raika is your crush, Katsuya?"
Katsuya flushed even deeper, flustered by the teasing. "N-No, it's not like that!" he protested, trying to regain some composure.
Mia and Lina burst into laughter again, enjoying the playful banter. Raika simply smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement at the scene unfolding before her. She glanced at Katsuya with a hint of reassurance, silently acknowledging his apology and hoping to move past the awkward moment.
The hallway buzzed with laughter and camaraderie as the friends continued their playful exchange, each moment easing the tension that had briefly clouded their interaction.