A new morning has come. It’s the morning of the entrance ceremony.
While being looked at by the blonde elf with a somewhat strange gaze, I finish my radio gymnastics and put on the prepared 'Academy' uniform.
The white blouse and navy vest are the same for everyone, but the ribbon and tie can be chosen freely.
For the bottom, there’s the choice of a culotte or a skirt. I chose the tie and culottes combination. The blonde elf chose a tie and skirt. It’s annoying, but she looks good in it.
The ties and ribbons are different depending on the grade. First-year students have red, second-year students have blue, third-year students have orange, fourth-year students have green, and fifth-year students have purple. The sports uniforms are also the same colors.
When I tightly tie the red tie, I feel a sense of discipline.
The lapel pin on my jacket collar is the Genbu mark. It must be the symbol of the dormitory I belong to.
...The uniform feels a bit big, but I’ll grow into it, so it’s not a problem. Yeah...
After changing, I (by the way, the blonde elf was already gone) put my smartphone and wallet in my pockets and headed for the lobby on the first floor. First-year students are supposed to gather there first.
The lobby is bustling with new first-year students. Nine countries in total, five students from each, making a total of 45. Not all of them are here, but a number close to that is gathered. It’s certainly noisy.
"Ah, good morning, Nero."
"Good morning, Nero!"
"Good morning, both of you."
Carol and Shelly greeted me. It’s a bit strange that I’ve already become acquainted with two students from Regulus when I haven’t even met any of my fellow first-year students from the same country as me, except for the blonde elf.
Carol wore the same tie and culottes combination as I did, while Shelly wore a ribbon with a skirt.
Looking around the lobby again, I noticed that besides the blonde elf, there were also students of other races, like elves, beastmen, and demons, scattered around.
There were some especially tall students too. From their horns and tails, they seemed to be Dragonewt, a dragon race. It’s the first time I’ve seen one.
...Hmm. Just like the day before yesterday, I feel the stares from around me, more strongly than ever.
"She’s so small..."
"Why is a kid here...?"
I can hear whispers like that. Sorry for being small! You guys are kids too!
As I frowned, Shelly started to pat my head. Stop it!
"Don’t worry about it. You’re cute, Nero."
"Are you picking a fight?"
I swatted Shelly's hand away and was about to complain when Dorm Manager Liora appeared.
"Okay, good morning, first-year students of the Genbu Dormitory. We’ll be heading to the venue for the entrance ceremony now, so please stay close and follow me."
With Liora leading us, we all left the dorm in a line.
We walked along the path from the dorm and eventually entered the 'Academy' grounds. Well, the dorm is part of the 'Academy' grounds, after all.
Along the way, I could see a large field and workshop facilities.
There was a square building that looked like a block of tofu, and from the surrounding conversations, I heard that it was a versatile workshop where they could make things like Armed Gear and its equipment. They even have something like that. It’s apparently called the 'Small Workshop.' I wonder why it’s called 'Small'? Do they have a 'Large' one too?
We entered the school building and walked down a long corridor, eventually arriving at the grand auditorium. I guess this is where the entrance ceremony will take place.
"Alright, please enter and line up to sit in the front on the right-hand side."
By the time we entered the auditorium, most of the seats were already taken by students. As expected for an entrance ceremony, it seems the first-year students sit in the front.
I was made to sit in the very front row. ...Is it because I’m small? As I sulked a bit, Shelly and Carol, who sat next to me, began whispering over my head.
"Look over there, that’s Sofie Swordreck from Belfast, the 'Swan,' who single-handedly defeated the three Holy Knights of the Holy Capital Allen during the 'Machinist War Ragnarok' five years ago. It’s true that she became a lecturer at the 'Academy'..."
"She’s a super famous person...! I wonder if I can get her autograph...!"
Sofie Swordreck... I’ve heard the name before. She’s called the 'Swan' because she dances like she’s soaring through the air while wielding twin swords with her white Machinist gear.
The people standing by the stage are probably the faculty members. Since I can see Liora and Flora among them, it looks like some 'Academy' staff are also lined up.
Huh? Why is Senior Quun there too? Is she going to give a speech as a representative of the current students...? But she's not wearing the uniform...
"Now, we will begin the entrance ceremony of the Babylon Machinist Girls' Academy. First, we would like to hear a few words from the Academy’s principal."
The voice of the MC echoed through the speakers, and the bustling noise in the auditorium immediately quieted down.
"Now, Principal, please."
"Huh!?"
With a small nod, the person who stepped forward to the stage was none other than Senior Quun, the one who had let me ride on her Armed Gear.
Huh!? Wait a minute!? Senior Quun is the principal!?
Wha-what is going on!? She only looks about three or four years older than me... Ah! That's right, the fairy race has a long lifespan! So her actual age must be much higher... Forty? Fifty?
"New students, congratulations on entering the academy. I am Quun Brunhild, the principal of this school. I am happy to see so many excellent students gathered here in Brunhild, and as a member of the royal family, I am pleased."
"Ha!? Huh!?!"
I let out a loud exclamation, but my mouth was quickly covered by both Carol and Shelly, who were sitting next to me.
Senior Quun... no, I mean, the Principal looked at us and gave a small smile, continuing her speech for the entrance ceremony.
A member of the royal family!? From Brunhild!? Was she that important!?
"By the way, how does Nero not know this...? Principal Quun is the daughter of the first Grand Duke and the founder of this 'Academy,' you know?"
The daughter of the first Duke!? Wait, does that mean she’s over 300 years old!?
The royal family member who established the 'Academy' was Principal Quun... I didn’t accidentally insult her, right...?
"────… I sincerely hope that your life at this academy will be a wonderful one."
After Principal Quun gave a bow, applause rang out from the auditorium. Oh no, I didn’t hear much of her speech...
With that, the next person to step forward was a woman in her thirties from the faculty. Ah, it’s the same person who was acting as the MC earlier.
"Our school, in addition to academic studies, offers practical lessons focused on the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to become a 'Machinist Trooper,' with full support to help you obtain the required qualifications. You will be both classmates and rivals who will challenge each other, and today, you will witness the competition at the very top."
Suddenly, an image appeared in front of the stage and us.
A Mirage Vision... It’s a technology that only exists in Brynhild, which projects images into the air.
On the screen, two Frame Gears were facing each other against the backdrop of a rocky mountain.
One was a sturdy yellow and black machine equipped with a long sword and shield. The other was an orange-colored machine holding a longsword in both hands. No, it also had two more sword-like objects on its back. Were they spare weapons?
"Let me introduce you. First, the fourth-ranked of the 'Academy'! [Hundred Thunder] Rimiera Limitecus piloting the magical warfare heavy assault Frame Gear, 'Indra'!"
When the announcer, a faculty member, said that, the yellow and black machine raised its sword high. The entire auditorium erupted in cheers. What is this, everyone’s so hyped up!?
The upperclassmen were making a lot of noise, but about half of the first-year students were excited too. Both Shelly and Carol, sitting next to me, stood up, visibly thrilled. Is it that exciting!?
"And now, the first-ranked! [Sword Empress] Zeldigard Minas Lestia, piloting the light assault Frame Gear for close combat, 'Astraea'!"
When the orange machine raised its sword with one hand, an even louder cheer filled the auditorium.
First-ranked...! The pilot of that machine was the senior who entered the top nine during her first year and participated in the 'Machinist War Ragnarok.'
Now, she’s a third-year student and is the top student in the 'Academy,' surpassing even the fourth- and fifth-year students.
Zeldigard Minas Lestia. The third princess of the Knight Kingdom Lestia. What an incredible princess...
"The match will continue until one is unable to continue fighting. No resupply, repair, or changes—this is a Break Match! Now then! [Activate Awaken]!"
With the announcer’s words, the 'eye cameras' of both Frame Gears lit up.
A similar light ran across the transparent crystal material armor covering the entire body, signaling that the machines were now in combat-ready condition.
"[Star Duel Start]!"
At the start of the match, both Frame Gears charged toward each other and clashed their swords head-on.
The two machines exchanged two, three strikes. The orange machine—Astraea—held swords in both hands. At first glance, it seemed to have the advantage, but the yellow and black Indra easily parried them with its right-hand sword and shield, skillfully deflecting them.
The sword of Indra pointed toward Astraea. In the next moment, a lightning bolt shot from the sword, and Astraea barely avoided it, leaping back.
"That was...!"
"That’s Indra’s Gear Spell, [Thunderbolt]."
"Gear Spell...?"
I remember that Gear Spells are a type of magic that can be used with Frame Gears. The pilot’s magical power is amplified and projected through the ether liquid flowing through the Frame Gear like blood...
Not just anyone can use it; it requires the pilot’s natural talent and intense training.
The senior piloting Indra uses it effortlessly. That’s impressive, but the opponent is also incredible for dodging the lightning as if she’s predicting it, avoiding it to the right and left.
We couldn’t take our eyes off the fierce battle between the two Frame Gears on the screen.
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