Part 2
The classroom no longer existed.
The floor, walls, and ceiling had been replaced by a virtual training field, with an artificial sky projected above them and a wide, open space free of obstacles.
The desks had vanished, leaving the students on a floating platform that allowed them to observe from a safe distance.
—Well then, now that the Virtual World is active, we can proceed.
With an elegant gesture, Eleonor raised her hand with the grace of a Greek goddess, and instantly, several practice drones appeared, hovering in the air, each equipped with motion sensors and virtual armor.
—Miss Strassburg, your turn. —Eleonor crossed her arms—. Eliminate the drones, but please avoid using large-scale attacks. The Virtual World might not withstand them.
Eva gave a graceful nod, needing no words.
The atmosphere of the simulated classroom grew tense. The air vibrated with an invisible energy, as if something was about to be unleashed.
Eva opened her eyes and, with a fluid motion, spun on her heel, pointing both weapons at the floating drones.
—"Walkürenwalzer" (Waltz of the Valkyries)
With flawless precision, she unleashed a barrage of light projectiles in a perfect choreography, moving with an inhuman grace.
Each shot landed with surgical accuracy, disintegrating the drones in flashes of pure light before they had a chance to react.
—Targets eliminated – Accuracy: 100%
The students stared in silence. The speed, power, and perfection of her attacks left no doubt about her level.
—Is this… is this what a level 3 can do? —a student murmured.
Touma watched the scene with narrowed eyes, trying to process what he had just witnessed.
—…Then what level are we?
Hina swallowed hard before answering.
—If that's level 3… we're like, level -1.
Eva slowly lowered her weapons, and with a simple command, both rifles vanished in a flash of light.
Eleonor gave a faint smile, her gaze sweeping over the silent students in the wake of the demonstration.
—That, students, is what it means to reach Resonance.
She crossed her arms, her tone remaining firm.
—You're probably thinking this means all of you will eventually gain weapons and moves like Miss Strassburg… but no.
Some students exchanged puzzled glances.
—Astra Cores are a subject of ongoing study. We've been researching them for over 50 years and are still discovering new applications and variations.
Eleonor walked slowly through the room, eyes fixed on her students.
—If you've noticed, the stone you received in your wristbands is no longer there.
Several instinctively looked down at their wrists.
—That's because the Astra Core has fully integrated with you. It no longer exists physically. It's now part of your essence.
Murmurs grew among the group.
—Some Astra Cores may boost your intellect, increase your speed, your strength… but that doesn't mean all of you will gain physical manifestations like Miss Strassburg's.
She raised her hand and, with a snap of her fingers, several drones in the room responded instantly, floating around her as if extensions of her will.
—For example, mine allows me to remotely control robotic objects—drones, EXOs, and mechas—even if they don't belong to me.
Eleonor let the drones hover for a few seconds before returning them to their original positions.
—That's why the Research Division exists. We're not just here to design mechas or build tech. Our purpose is to understand the true nature of Astra Cores, the Nulvoid, and everything surrounding their existence.
Her gaze hardened slightly.
—If you think this is a mechanical engineering division where you'll get to assemble giant robots, you're very mistaken.
The room remained silent for a few more seconds, until Eleonor smiled confidently.
—Now then, any questions?
Silence ruled the classroom. None of the students dared to speak—until Eva stepped forward with her elegant bearing and firm gaze.
—If I may say something, Professor.
Eleonor nodded calmly.
—Go ahead.
The young German scanned the students with her eyes, her words laced with gravity.
—Let me just say one thing: take this seriously.
Her tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
—I don't know your reasons for being here, but part of my duty as Student Council President is to straighten out the student body…
Her gaze shifted slightly toward Touma.
—I'm speaking especially to certain students who seem to have been dragged here against their will and show no interest in Seisen's education.
Touma could feel several eyes turning toward him.
Eva continued without flinching.
—Keep in mind that you are the future. Your training here will determine how many lives are lost in future Nulvoid attacks.
She swept her gaze across the room once more.
—If you don't want to be here, my recommendation is that you simply give your spot to someone who will make good use of it.
—Thank you for your clarification, Miss Strassburg. —Eleonor gave a faint smile—. You certainly make a valid point… but above all, understand this…
Her tone cooled slightly.
—Nothing you learn here should ever be used with bad intentions.
The students remained silent.
—Throughout history, there have been scientists and warriors who sold their knowledge to fuel war... We seek peace.
Eleonor scanned the room.
—Understood?
Everyone nodded seriously, grasping the weight of her words.
Though Touma wasn't entirely sure how relevant that message was to him.
With a faint shimmer, the Virtual World deactivated and the classroom returned to its original state.
Eva bid farewell with an elegant gesture, while the students watched her leave with respect.
Eleonor checked her watch calmly before turning back to the class.
—Alright, that will be all for now.
She closed her digital notebook and continued in her usual calm tone.
—I recommend you go observe the combatants' class. It starts in an hour, and you'll be able to see how the EXO technology works before your own physical adaptation session.
Some students showed interest at the suggestion.
—Remember: mens sana in corpore sano. Not everything in life is about sitting and reading… though I understand that might be paradise for some of you.
She spun on her heels with a radiant smile.
—Ciao, youngsters —she said playfully, as if it didn't bother her at all that the phrase was Italian, not Greek.
And with the same commanding presence with which she had entered, Eleonor Duval left the classroom with her signature sophisticated poise.
The students began to file out after her farewell. The hallways filled with conversations—some still processing Eva Strassburg's demonstration, others speculating about the upcoming Combat Division class.
Touma walked alongside Hina.
—I definitely didn't expect Astra Cores to be so complex. It's not just about receiving one—there's so much to learn.
—Yeah… —Touma replied in a neutral tone, still processing the class—. I guess it's more than just "casting magic."
Hina turned her head in disbelief.
—You're just realizing that now? Where have you been this whole time?
—Right here, but my brain takes strategic breaks.
Hina sighed in resignation.
As they passed by another classroom, a familiar figure appeared in their line of sight.
Shizuki Tokisaka.
Wearing the uniform of the Research Division, her refined presence and silver hair stood out against the hustle and bustle of the hallway. She didn't seem interested in the noise around her, walking with the same calm elegance as always.
However, just before entering her classroom, she paused for a moment and turned her head in Touma's direction.
With a subtle motion, she raised a hand and gave him a brief but graceful wave.
Touma, without thinking much about it, raised his hand in return.
Hina watched the exchange with a raised eyebrow, her gaze shifting between Touma and Shizuki, who vanished into her classroom without saying another word.
—How do you know someone from second year?
Touma took a couple of seconds to process the question.
—Ah… yeah, about that… it's a long story…
Hina narrowed her eyes at him.
—Don't tell me you…
—It's not what you think!
As the noise in the hallway continued around them, Touma felt Hina's inquisitive stare bearing down on him.
There was no way to avoid the conversation that was coming… though, to be honest, he wasn't even sure what exactly he was supposed to explain.