"Puffpuff." Aksel was breathing hard after being defeated for the nth time in a row. "This bastard really hid his skills deep," he thought, glancing at Nioh, who was calmly tweaking the weapons they'd used in their training matches.
"How does the axe feel today?" Nioh asked without looking up.
"Like an extension of my arm," Aksel admitted, still catching his breath. "But I don't understand—why do you want me, as a Colossus, to be the main damage dealer? I'm a hundred times slower than you."
"What do you know about biocores and Mecha classes?" Nioh replied, sidestepping the question.
"I know that every biocore is unique, and the abilities it grants are based on the binder's physiology, mental state, and experiences. The biocore then morphs into a Biomechanical machine called a Mecha," Aksel explained.
"Yes, and?"
"It grants powers that manifest outwardly through the Mecha, essentially turning the Mecha into an extension of the corebinder's body. But the corebinder still needs a high level of synchronization with the biocore and excellent piloting skills because, in the end, the Mecha is still a machine."
"Good. Now, if each biocore is unique, and by default, each Mecha is unique, why do we have Mecha classes?"
"I... don't know."
"Mecha classes exist for identification and to suggest 'best-in-slot' alternatives. Let me explain. There are form-swappers, humanoid Mechas, aerial Mechas—those are designations of type. An aerial Mecha, for instance, can be tanky, stealthy, or artillery-focused. The same goes for humanoid Mechas.
"While classical roles are expected based on Mecha type, the temperament of the corebinder, the nature of the biocore, and the state of the battlefield ultimately determine a Mecha's role."
"I still don't get it."
"Ugh." Nioh sighed. "Your Mecha is too big to go stealth, but it can regenerate, which makes it the ideal meat shield. If you can go punch for punch with any assailant, it's better than adopting a defensive strategy, especially since there's no Mecha to protect. You don't need to deal consistent damage—just hard-hitting damage to create openings for me to finish the job."
"Ah, that makes sense! But… what is your Mecha class and ability?"
"After all these weeks, you haven't figured it out?" Nioh smirked.
"Well, we've never fully morphed since it's against regulations, but this isn't support-class speed or skill. Aren't you planning to join a more active unit?"
"Don't worry about that," Nioh said, packing up his tools. "Tomorrow is D-Day. Just deliver a solid performance." Without another word, he left for his dorm.
"I don't understand his goal," Aksel thought as he trudged out of the training area. "But I'll make the most of this opportunity."
At 4:00 AM, all senior students participating in the university exam received a message on their communication devices:
Gather at the launch area for imminent departure.
ETA: 15 minutes.
– Lieutenant X.
As if he'd been waiting for the signal, Nioh slid out of bed like a machine, slipped on his shoes, and grabbed his small backpack. He opened the door to the common area to see Aksel struggling to pull on his pants.
"Start the counter," Nioh said to Ekoh, ignoring Aksel entirely as he jogged at a steady pace toward the rendezvous point.
Screams and panicked voices echoed through the halls as students scrambled to get ready. By the time Nioh reached the launch area, there were already a dozen students in line, standing at attention and holding military salutes.
"Twelve minutes, ten seconds," Ekoh reported, marking his new record.
Nioh scanned the students ahead of him. None looked exhausted or unprepared. "Some good seeds might emerge from this batch," he thought as he joined the lineup and saluted.
Standing before the assembly was a military officer clad in a purple bodysuit marked with his division and rank. His tall figure exuded an oppressive, wild aura. The officer's sharp eyes scanned the growing crowd as he repeatedly checked his watch, waiting for the last students to arrive.
As the clock struck the appointed time, the officer gave a boarding signal. The platform lifted into the sky, leaving behind those still trailing. Just like that, they had failed their exams.
When the platform rose high enough, a transport ship appeared, and the students boarded in silence, the weight of the moment heavy in the air.
The ship's shape was aerodynamic, tapering at both the bow and stern. Its central body was robust, housing compartments for cargo, Mechas, and personnel. Two massive propulsion units, glowing faintly blue with plasma energy, flanked the rear, emitting a low, throaty hum that signaled immense power. At its base were retractable landing struts reinforced with shock absorbers, ensuring smooth landings even in hostile terrain.
Running along the sides of the ship were rows of viewing ports, reinforced with transparent alloy glass that shimmered faintly under the morning light. Turrets were mounted at strategic points along the hull, their sleek design indicating advanced targeting systems capable of precision strikes
Here's a polished and more dynamic version of your text:
Out of a hundred students, only sixty made it onto the ship.
The officer finally broke the silence. "I am Lieutenant X. You will receive your team number on your communication devices along with the rules. You will jump in succession according to your assigned number."
His curt explanation left the group uneasy. Whispers filled the room, students murmuring about the lack of details.
Nioh glanced at his device as the notification appeared:
Team 19: Nioh + Aksel Brigan
Rules:
Winner: The team with the most points after extraction (24 hours).
Rank F = 1 point Rank E = 2 points Rank D = 4 points Rank C = 10 points.
Eliminating a team = 20 points
Surviving until extraction = 20 points
"What kind of exam is this? Why are the rules so vague and short?" Ekoh asked his tone analytical. "Probably designed to test information analysis and gathering. Wouldn't be surprised if we all got different rules." Nioh stated.
Ekoh scoffed. "That's just great."
Suddenly, Aksel rounded on Nioh, his frustration boiling over. "Nioh! You left me in the dorm—I almost didn't make it!"
"Memorize the rules. We'll be dropping soon," Nioh said flatly, not sparing his partner a glance.
"Dropping? What the hell are you—"
Before Aksel could finish, a loud clang echoed through the ship as a trapdoor beneath their feet opened without warning.
The students plummeted through the air like pollen scattered by the wind, their shouts and gasps drowned out by the roar of the rushing wind.