The final year had arrived, and it was the year that Haruto and his fellow cadets would finally bond with their mechs. The long months of rigorous training, combat simulations, and brutal tests had led up to this moment—the moment when they would each be paired with a mech that was personally crafted for them, a suit that would become an extension of their body in battle.
Haruto couldn't help the excitement that bubbled within him as the day of the mech selection approached. He had seen the others bond with their suits over the past year, each one seeming to fit its pilot as if it were crafted specifically for them. Now, it was his turn to find out what kind of mech would be made for him. He had no doubt that his regeneration and combat abilities would push the boundaries of what the mech could handle, but he wondered just how far his new suit could go to complement his strengths.
Before the cadets could receive their custom mechs, they were required to undergo one final test—an intense combat evaluation to determine which mech would best match their combat style. The test was a brutal simulation, with each candidate piloting a generic test mech that monitored their every movement, recording their tactics, speed, and decision-making in real-time. It was a grueling trial that pushed each cadet to the limit. The test wasn't just about strength; it was about how well they could think on their feet, adapt, and utilize their environment in combat.
For Haruto, it was more than just another test. With his enhanced reflexes and battle-honed instincts, he tore through the simulation, his movements swift and precise. Every punch, every kick, every defensive maneuver was executed with deadly accuracy, pushing the test mech to its limits. The other cadets watched from the sidelines, their eyes wide with awe and admiration. Haruto's battle style was unorthodox, relying on speed and agility, enhanced by his booster jets—a technique he had perfected over the past year.
The culmination of the test came down to one final, high-stakes battle: Haruto versus Renjiro Fujiwara. Renjiro was a natural fighter, his combat style grounded in raw strength and unwavering determination. The tension in the air was thick as the two stepped into the arena, their mechs facing each other in a showdown that would determine not only their future but their place in the military hierarchy.
The battle was fierce, the clash of metal ringing through the air as the two mechs exchanged devastating blows. Renjiro's mech was a powerhouse, built for durability and brute force, but Haruto's was nimble, a stark contrast in both style and design. Haruto's reflexes were sharper than ever, using the booster jets to enhance his movements—his punches coming in fast and precise, each strike calculated to create maximum damage. The jets propelled him with lightning speed, allowing him to dodge Renjiro's heavy attacks with ease, weaving in and out of range like a ghost.
Renjiro fought valiantly, his mech's heavy arms swinging with immense power, trying to land a decisive hit. But Haruto's agility and speed outmatched him, his mech dancing around Renjiro's brute force, landing blows that chipped away at Renjiro's defense. With a final, explosive thrust of his jets, Haruto landed a devastating punch to Renjiro's mech, sending it crashing to the ground. The battle ended with Renjiro's defeat, but there was no sense of triumph in Haruto's eyes. His victory felt hollow, the weight of their friendship and the bond they had formed heavy in his chest.
After the battle, Haruto's custom mech was revealed—a beautiful, sleek design that mirrored his combat style perfectly. The suit had a soft white texture, almost ethereal in appearance, with soft green lining running along its contours, giving it a sense of fluidity and grace. Its sharp yellow eyes glowed with a fierce intensity, reflecting Haruto's own sharpness and resolve.
But it wasn't just the aesthetic that set his mech apart—it was the enhancements. Due to Haruto's display in the combat test, his mech was equipped with sharp jets on every part of its body, giving it even more speed and mobility. A sharp blade was holstered on its back, designed for close-quarters combat, allowing Haruto to slice through enemies with precision. The design was a perfect fusion of elegance and lethality, a true extension of Haruto's own abilities.
As the final day of their training approached, Haruto stood with Ayane and Renjiro, each of them anxiously awaiting their future assignments. The ceremony was solemn, marking the end of their training and the beginning of their roles in the military. As the officers announced the new divisions, the tension was palpable.
"Haruto Takahashi, Renjiro Fujiwara, and Ayane Fujiwara," the commander's voice rang out, "We are proud to say you will be a part of the 3rd Division. However, should you continue to display the promise you have shown, we will move you up through the divisions."
The words felt surreal as they echoed in Haruto's ears. The 3rd Division was a prestigious group, known for its elite warriors, but the promise of rising through the ranks, of being able to achieve more, gave Haruto a sense of purpose. It wasn't just about the mech or the battles—it was about what came next. Haruto had been through hell to get here, and now the real journey was about to begin.
He looked at Ayane and Renjiro, their faces full of relief and pride. Though their paths had diverged at times, they were together now, ready to face whatever came next. Haruto didn't smile—he wasn't sure he could anymore—but there was a spark of determination in his eyes, a silent promise to himself and to them. The future awaited, and it was his to shape.