"Yo! Morning!" a voice called out to me from behind. I turned around, to see Ember catching up to me. "Morning," I replied, smiling. "You seem pretty hyper, even more than normal."

"Of course I am! It's combat practice time!" she practically shouted, raising a fist in the air. It was my fourth day in the institute, and the seventh day of the week – it was time for my first combat practical lesson. I was quite nervous, given how different I was from the others, but, at the same time, I was also curious as to how the people of this world fought, as I have yet to properly see the ARKS here in action.

We were headed to the building to our left as we entered the gates – very slightly more run-down than the middle main building, and the other building across it. Compared to the number of people that attended the basic course, there were slightly less people – which actually surprised me. I'd figured that the combat training course would be popular enough that even people who didn't attend the basic course would make their way here, so I wondered why there were less people.

"Oh, that's because we're quite some time into the year, and weeded out the people who weren't cut for it physically, or those who only wanted to try it out for a while," Ember explained. That made sense, the students here were free to choose whichever courses they wanted. Those that bowed out of the combat course probably felt it was too difficult or taxing for them.

We entered the main hall within the building, which was a mostly wide but empty space. To either side of us, the hall was dotted with several racks of weapons, lined up neatly. Each rack was also paired with what looked like a statue, which I assumed was meant to be a training dummy of some sort.

As everyone wandered around looking at the different setups, we heard the door behind us open, as a muscular human male entered the building. He wore a red tracksuit, which outlined his muscular figure and build. If his appearance was anything to go by, then he should be…

"Listen up, everyone! The name's Alfonse, and I'm the combat course instructor for this year's recruits!" he exclaimed with a smile, his booming voice echoing throughout the empty hall. I knew it. A part of me expected for a more commander-type instructor, but I forget that while this was a combat training institute, it honestly felt closer to a university or high school.

As we gathered around Mr. Alfonse, he pointed at the weapons and training dummies. "As it's the first week, we'll spend today and tomorrow just judging your physical strength and stamina. We'll focus on the more detailed aspects of combat, like form and techniques, later on! For now, pick your weapon and start bashing or shooting!"

Right as we were about to line up in front of the weapon racks, the door flew open once again. This time, a Newman male ran in, breathing rapidly. Wow, he must've been in quite a rush. Guess he is late, after all. "Oh, finally, there you are!" Mr. Alfonse said as he looked at the slim man. "Can't be late on your first day, you know?"

"Sorry, sorry…" the Newman man said apologetically. He straightened himself up and bowed slightly towards us. "My name is Ferrier, and I'll be your combat instructor involving Techniques." Wait, he's a combat instructor?! He sure looks young… and not very muscular… maybe seeing Mr. Alfonse first took my first impressions for a ride on what combat instructors should look like.

"Those of you who wish to learn more about combat with Techniques, please come with me," he said, as he guided those to the other side of the hall. As interested as I was in Techniques, I was more interested in physical-type combat for today. Maybe tomorrow, or next week. I could always sneak peeks in between while waiting for my turn, or go there once my turn's over, but I also want to see how Ember and the others do too.

Before long, everyone was shuffling around the racks, picking up their favourite weapon type. I guess your fighting style here is also determined by what weapons you choose, huh? Let's see… the sword, spear, dual daggers, knuckles, assault rifle, and gunslash, huh… some of the weapons I know of aren't here… do they not exist? Yet? I don't see any rods, wands or talismans, either… are they on the other side?

It was a limited choice of weapons, considering the variety I was used to, but I decided to go for the weapon that was my very first choice, even back then – the knuckles.

"Wow, really? That was honestly the last thing I thought you would choose. No offense, but you don't seem like you would pack a punch. No pun intended. Although I guess you do seem quick on your feet… wouldn't the daggers be a better choice, then?" Ember came over and pondered. I wasn't offended in the slightest. It was true that I was slim, almost thin, and I had almost no extra muscle to show off.

As I looked up at Ember, I saw she had chosen the sword. Fits her image to a T, I suppose. Wouldn't have been surprised if she chose the knuckles, too. "Well, I'm just giving them a try. Who knows? It might work out," I say nonchalantly. Luckily, I'm not relying only on this body's strength… Mr. Alfonse, and who I assumed to be his assistant, were on the side, focusing on a display. I wonder if it had anything to do with the training, or if it was some unrelated business as they waited for us to be ready.

After we made sure everyone had a weapon, we lined up in front of the dummy, and took turns dealing blows. Each person spent about two or three minutes on the dummy, and Mr. Alfonse would call us to stop and let someone else go. I wondered why we didn't just split up and use the rest of the space, but I assumed since it was the first day, Mr. Alfonse wanted to watch and gauge each person's abilities for himself.

As more people stepped up and down, I noticed a not-so-subtle difference in the types of weapons being used. A majority of people seemed to prefer the sword, and the knuckles seem to be the least popular. I wonder if bladed weapons were just looked more favourably upon here. I kind of like the idea of getting up close and personal, though.

Ember's turn came up, and she looked like she was having the time of her life as she ran around the dummy and slashed at it. She was surprisingly agile, given her build, relative to the large sword she was wielding. I suppose your movements and speed aren't hard-coded and fixed here, and so physical build, strength and speed will all play a role… it definitely looks faster than what I was used to, in most cases. I then wondered if CASTs had enhanced physical capabilities compared to the different races, or something. I wouldn't be surprised if they did, given those robotic parts and all.

After a while, she stepped down, and it was my turn. Let's see… let's not get carried away, but what should I go here… I decided to go for the simple and practical approach. Ducking under the dummy, I let out a single punch, followed by three quick jabs. I then dashed behind the dummy and spun my body around as I let out three backhand strikes in a row. I repeated this cycle around three more times, all while moving around and behind the dummy, making sure to stay mobile. Well, I only know how to move because I have a frame of reference… or should I say, a move set to copy from…

As I was getting into it, Mr. Alfonse called out for me to stop. "That's enough!" Huh, already? Has is been three minutes? It sure didn't feel like it… "Well! What a surprise. You sure can pack a good punch given that small body of yours! I think you're one of the hardest hitters I've seen in a while now!" I cringed slightly inwardly as I heard the same pun twice within half an hour, in contrast to Mr. Alfonse's beaming face. I thanked him as I went back to the line, watching the others take their turn.

"Whoa, that was cool! You sure took me for a loop there. Didn't know you had it in you! I swear I could've felt the impact of those backhands from all the way here!" Ember was quick to approach me and comment. "Haha, thanks. I just figured swinging that way would produce the most force, is all. You weren't too bad, yourself. I was impressed how fast on your feet you were, carrying that huge sword around."

"I know, right?! I'm stronger and pack more energy than I look, you know?!" Ember beamed. Her carrying a giant sword on her back was becoming more fitting of her image by the minute. "Now that I know how I can fight with a sword for real, maybe it's time to enter the Tourney!"

"The Tourney? What's that?"

"You don't know?! It's what everyone in the combat course, and even some in the basics course, look forward to! Anyone who's interested can sign up, and each person gets paired with another to fight it out here! Under supervision, of course. It originally started just as a way to get students have the feel of some friendly competition and evaluate their peers, so there's no rewards for winning nor penalties for losing. Although, the students get so hyped up for it they named it the Tourney! Even though it's not actually a tournament."

So it's an opportunity to compare and test your skills, study other fighting styles and improving your own, huh? How useful would that be though? As far as I know, the ARKs almost never fight each other, even in an event or competition setting. On second thought, I guess they do. I just almost never did it, myself.

As I was processing the thought, the next student to face the dummy caught my attention. At first it was her two horns, protruding from her forehead, towering over her blonde, long hair, tied into twin tails on either side. Her eyes, one red, one blue, focused on the dummy. Horns, and heterochromia… that's a Deuman, alright. She might be the first one I've seen, actually. Are they not as commonplace? As she focused on the dummy, she brought her hands to her sides and drew her two weapons. Whoa, are those twin machine guns?! Those weren't even on the racks, as far as I remember… are those her personal weapons? I wonder what other weapons that aren't here but actually exist… but why? Exclusivity, or difficulty, maybe?

I tapped Ember on the shoulder and pointed to the twin machine gun wielding Deuman as she ran forward to the dummy. She moved exactly as I thought one wielding those weapons would move – agile, fast on her feet, but unlike the two of us, she also moved vertically, jumping into the air. Wow, she would even shoot directly below herself to give her more time in the air, and to propel herself higher? It made me feel likeI was watching a rhythmic gymnastics show – it was actually quite beautiful to watch. At times, she would also go up close and whacked the dummy with the heel and sides of her guns. Whoa, is that legal?! Is that how she'd handle combat if enemies got up close?

"Whoa, those are some amazing moves, alright." I couldn't agree more.

"Guess the Tourney wouldn't be a cakewalk to win, after all." She nodded back at me.

"So, you're joining, then?" Oops. Did I say it as if I was going to join? If I wasn't interested, I'd be lying, but… I'm going to have to ask sis when I get back…

"I'm not too sure," I said as Ember almost yelled back in surprise. "It's not that I don't want to, but I should ask first, just to be sure."

"I guess, but you should hurry. I think the deadline for signing up is closing soon, in around ten days." I looked at her, then at the Deuman.

Hmm… I wonder if I should enter after all…

That's Chapter 6! Sorry this one took a while, I had a hard time visualising what I wanted this chapter to be like, and the order of things to come. I have lots of ideas, but they're all jumbled up… I'm too afraid to make promises now, but I will still be updating it regularly, so stay tuned!

For those who have read up to this point, thank you! I would really appreciate some feedback, via PM or reviews, about my storytelling, be it grammar, choice of words, plot flow, etc. Constructive feedback will be much appreaciated!