Chapter 38: Mecha Training

Goerld

After lunch, we returned back to training. This time, we trained with weapons.

Oddly, Commander Wilneth wasn't around. Instead, it was Mirasa's General cousin.

Tessa blushed as soon as she saw him.

Roan rolled his eyes at his own cousin and shook his head.

"Alright, cadets! Commander Wilneth asked me to train you wimps. We are finally gonna have you runts use mechas," General Efron said.

"Wow? Already?" Tessa asked, grinning as she pumped her fists up and down.

The General put a hand on his hips and smiled. "It is merely a test run. Although, you better be prepared to lose your lunch. Riding one isn't a walk in the park. The initial thrust will send ya flying if ya ain't careful."

Tessa gulped.

Roan smirked and waved his hands. "Bring it on!"

Etsuto stepped into the room and snickered. "Ever the daring one, eh?"

"Why are you here?" Roan asked, blinking.

"Me? The general asked me to come. He expects some vomiting and the like."

Tessa grumbled. "Suddenly, my excitement is gone..."

"It'll be fine, Cuz. You have me here to tend to you and the others," Etsuto said, grinning, raising a thumbs up.

"How positive of you," she mumbled.

Roan chuckled. "What do you mean? Etsuto has always been a positivist."

General Efron clapped his hands, the sound echoing in the room. "Alright, enough chatter! Follow me, cadets."

We all fell into line behind him as he led us through the vast corridors of the training facility. I couldn't help but glance around in awe. The sheer size of the place was staggering, and it was a constant reminder of the scale of the military might of Titanos.

Finally, we arrived at a massive set of doors. There was a hum of energy in the air, a palpable sense of anticipation. General Efron swiped his ID card, and the doors slowly slid open, revealing a cavernous hangar filled with towering figures.

Mechas. 

They stood in neat rows, each one a gleaming testament to technological prowess. They were standard issue, but to us, they looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. Sleek, armored, and equipped with an array of weapons, they were the pride of the Titanos military.

Roan let out a low whistle. "Wow... They're even more impressive up close." He grinned from ear to ear. "I can't wait to get in one."

Tessa, on the other hand, looked slightly pale. "I think I might throw up just looking at them..."

General Efron chuckled, clapping her on the back. "Don't worry, Tessa." He turned to us, his expression serious. "This is your first step, cadets. The first real step towards becoming a real part of the Titanos military. You will learn to pilot these mechas, to navigate them through the aor and any terrain, to wield their weapons with precision. You will learn to become one with the machine, to move as it moves, to think as it thinks."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over us. "And remember, these are not just machines. They're your partners, your allies. Treat them with respect, and they will serve you well."

With that, he gestured for us to follow him into the hangar, towards the towering mechas. As we moved closer, I could feel a wave of awe wash over me. Here in Uto, we had nothing like this. Well, not until now.

We moved closer to the mechas, our boots echoing on the metal floor of the hangar. The sheer size of the machines was intimidating, their armored bodies gleaming under the bright lights. I could see Tessa nervously fidgeting with her uniform, while Roan had a look of pure excitement on his face.

General Efron led us to one of the mechas, its front panel open to reveal a complex cockpit filled with buttons, switches, and screens. He climbed up the side of the mecha with ease, gesturing for us to follow.

"Climb up, cadets. Get a feel for it. But remember, no sudden movements. These machines are sensitive to your touch."

We climbed after him, our hands slipping on the cold metal. The cockpit was smaller than I expected, the seat molded to fit the pilot's body. I ran my fingers over the controls, the buttons cold and smooth under my touch.

"Now," General Efron began, his voice echoing in the hangar. "The first thing you need to remember is balance. These machines move according to your movements. Lean too far to one side, and you'll tip over. Make sure to keep your body centered at all times."

We nodded, taking in his words. I could see Tessa's eyes darting between the controls and General Efron, her expression focused.

Next, he explained the basic controls - how to move forward, backward, how to turn. It all seemed so complex, so different from anything we had learned back in Uto.

After what felt like hours, General Efron finally stepped back, his arms crossed over his chest. "Alright, cadets. It's time for your first test run. Remember, slow and steady. No reckless movements."

Tessa was the first to go. She moved the mecha awkwardly at first, the machine jerking as she tried to understand the controls. But after a few minutes, she started to get the hang of it, the mecha moving more smoothly under her control.

Roan was next. He moved the mecha with surprising grace, his movements fluid and sure. He even managed a clumsy turn, a grin on his face as he did so.

When it was my turn, I felt a rush of adrenaline. I gripped the controls, my heart pounding in my chest. Slowly, I moved the mecha forward, the machine responding to my touch.

It was a strange feeling, to be in control of such a powerful machine. But it was exhilarating too, the thrill of piloting something so advanced, so different from anything we have.

We spent the rest of the day learning to maneuver the mechas, each of us growing more comfortable with the controls. It was a long and exhausting day, but by the end of it, we had made significant progress. Etsuto's medical treatment was thankfully not needed.

As I climbed out of the mecha, my body aching from the exertion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. We were one step closer to becoming a part of the Titanos military. Although, that wasn't my goal. I had to remember that my true goal was to rid this world of those Titanos' filled with malice and other negative emotions. I had to keep the mana of this world from getting corrupted by them. 

As we left the base, the sun was starting to set, casting the sky in a warm orange glow. The mechas stood tall in the hangar, their metallic bodies reflecting the fading light pouring in through the door. I glanced back at them, my muscles aching from the day's exertions, but a sense of satisfaction filling me. We had made progress today, and that was worth celebrating.

Walking towards the exit, I caught sight of two familiar figures waiting in the hill where Nera had seen me off this morning. My heart leapt in my chest as I recognized them - my parents.

My father, with his jet-black hair and piercing red eyes, looked as stern as ever. His arms were crossed over his chest, a frown tugging at his lips. My mother, on the other hand, was the epitome of elegance. Her vibrant red hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, her fashionable clothes a stark contrast to the military surroundings.

I quickened my pace, my exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Mom, Dad!" I called out, a smile spreading across my face. It had been months since I'd seen them. Not since my birthday.

My mother smiled. "How was your day, Goelrd?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

My father merely grunted, his gaze scrutinizing. "Hmph. You look worn out. Did they work you hard?"

I nodded, my smile not fading. "Yes, but it was worth it. We learned a lot today."

My mother's smile widened. "That's wonderful to hear, dear."

My smile gradually faded. "Although, why are you here? And where is my sister?"

"We left her back in the house," Mom said.

I blinked.

"She will be staying with you for a while. Your father and I will be going on a mission."

I lowered my gaze. "Oh..."

Mom walked over and patted my head. "Look at the bright side, dear. At least you will have some company."

I forced a smile. While I loved my little sister, I wished she and dad were staying too. I might've been seventeen, but I still needed my parents.

My mother saw through my forced smile and hugged me. Her warmth was comforting, a stark contrast to the cold, metallic mechas we had spent our day with. "We'll be back soon, Goerld. And we'll always be there for you, even when we're far away."

I nodded, holding back the lump in my throat. My father, always the stoic one, patted my shoulder. His eyes, though stern, held a flicker of warmth. "You're a strong lad, Goerld. You'll do fine. Take care of your sister while we're away."

"I will," I promised, standing tall. I knew I had to be strong, not just for myself, but for my sister too. This would be her first time apart from my parents...