Instructor's Concern
"Axel, are you sure about the pilot course? There's still time to switch."
The instructor's voice carries a mix of concern and insistence, but honestly, it's more of a nuisance than anything else.
"Instructor, changing courses the day before graduation? That's a bit unrealistic, don't you think?"
What kind of school lets you switch tracks the day before the ceremony? I get where he's coming from, though. I did some digging, and most top graduates—valedictorians like me—usually head to the strategist or four-star military courses. But here I am, this term's valedictorian, choosing the pilot course, which, while not exactly "disposable," isn't the elite path. No wonder it might reflect poorly on his record.
If I'd known it'd be this much hassle, I wouldn't have competed so fiercely with Yuria and just let her take the top spot in our third year. Valedictorian or salutatorian, it's not that different, right? I give the instructor a curt bow and head back to my room.
Graduation Day
Today's the juvenile academy graduation. These past three years were pretty fun and fulfilling. My level rose by two, and I finally unlocked the coveted "Effort" spirit command—double experience points for just 8 SP. When I saw it on my status screen, I couldn't help but shout in excitement. In Super Robot Wars, spirit commands reflect a character's personality, so "Effort" fits me perfectly.
That said, I doubt I'll ever unlock "Hot-Blooded." But considering I'm reincarnated, maybe there's a chance for the "Soul" twin spirit command? Oh, and the simulator kills don't count toward my ace bonus—still stuck at four. Guess I need to down real enemies to boost that number. What a pain.
"Axel."
The voice belongs to Yuria, the dashing woman who's rumored to have charmed seventy percent of the girls here. Everyone's big sister figure.
"Yo. Not exactly graduation weather, but it's nice out, huh?"
"Yeah. Looks like you managed not to be late today."
"It's graduation. Gotta show up on time."
"Still, starting next week, we won't be in the same class anymore. Feels… off."
"We've spent the most time together these three years, so it's no surprise."
After today's ceremony and a week's break, we'll move on to the officer academy, where our chosen courses become our classes. The thought of not being with Yuria feels oddly lonely.
"By the way, heard about Ziebel?"
Yuria changes the subject, maybe to dodge the heavy mood. Ziebel? That guy's been a thorn in my side since third year, but I've brushed him off without much thought.
"What about that loser? Finally got rejected from the officer academy?"
"No, rumor has it he's been accepted into the strategist course."
…What? I'm as shocked as when I recovered my past-life memories.
"How does that even happen?"
"No clue. Just something I heard."
The strategist course is one of the military's elite tracks. No way someone with C-class grades like Ziebel gets in. The instructors there pride themselves on training top-tier talent. Admitting a slacker like him makes no sense when they could pick someone more capable.
"Seriously, what were the strategist instructors thinking, accepting Ziebel?"
Ziebel's the type who looks down on others, thinks he's superior despite being average at best, and lacks any teamwork skills. An overconfident clown—that's my read on him, and I'm not far off.
"I told you, it's just a rumor. But… now that I think about it, Ziebel was in A-class during our first year."
So, what, he cheated his way in?
"Hey, isn't that the self-proclaimed valedictorian who could only get into the pilot course, and Yuria, the salutatorian headed to the space force?"
Speak of the devil. I don't even need to turn to know it's Ziebel's grating voice.
"Sorry, not self-proclaimed—officially the valedictorian. I'm even giving the representative speech today."
I'm not obsessed with the title, but it's the result of grinding it out with Yuria. I'm not letting a guy like Ziebel mock it.
"Oh? Then why's the valedictorian picking the dropout pilot course?"
For the record, the pilot course isn't for dropouts. But explaining that to someone like Ziebel is pointless.
"Ziebel!"
Yuria's shout echoes, but he just smirks mockingly.
"What? Getting protective because your boyfriend's a dropout?"
Plenty of students—and even instructors—mistake me and Yuria for a couple. But what I feel for her is more "like" than "love," and I'm pretty sure she feels the same.
"Wait, is that why you've been picking fights with me? Jealous of me and Yuria?"
I toss out the thought on a whim, but the effect is instant. Ziebel's smirking face turns beet red, his already sharp eyes narrowing further.
"No way, seriously?"
It's a total bullseye. I glance at Yuria, who looks stunned by the turn of events.
"What, picking on someone you like? Are you five?"
"Shut up! Who likes who?! This is why I can't stand brainless, incompetent idiots like you!"
Spitting out his comeback, Ziebel storms off toward the gymnasium.
"Did I go too far?"
I ask Yuria, who still hasn't recovered.
"N-No, just caught me off guard. Don't worry about it."
"Alright. Let's not be late for the ceremony."
I lead the still-flustered Yuria to the graduates' waiting room.
Graduation Speech
"Three years have passed since we entered this juvenile academy. We've been guided by our instructors and forged bonds with our peers. Today, we graduate as a result of those efforts. As we move on to the officer academy, we pledge to become guardians protecting our beloved Earth. To our underclassmen, never forget you're part of the Federation Forces, even in this academy, and strive to shine. Graduate Representative, Axel Almer."
With the speech done, I return to my seat amid applause from students, instructors, parents, and staff. Feels a bit like the entrance ceremony all over again.
The ceremony wraps up, and we exit the gymnasium. Some take photos, others head to graduation parties, and then we're free to go. Is the second-button tradition just a Japanese thing? Doesn't seem to exist in this world.
"Axel, we're throwing a graduation party. You in?"
"Yeah, count me in."
I give a quick nod to my classmate's invite. Hopefully, they know we're still underage, so no alcohol. A juvenile academy grad getting drunk would be a scandal—could even get our officer academy admission revoked.
Compared to the corrupt politicians out there, a little drinking's nothing, but wiping them out? Not my style. I'm not sacrificing myself for others—that's for story protagonists. Besides, this world's doomed to be swallowed by the Einst anyway.
"Yo, Axel! Everyone's leaving!"
"Whoops, my bad. Let's make this last juvenile academy party a blast."
I snap out of my thoughts and catch up with my friends.
Character Profile: Axel Almer
Level: 7
PP: 10
Melee: 134
Shooting: 152
Skill: 144
Defense: 141
Evasion: 169
Accuracy: 191
SP: 198
Ace Bonus: Unknown
Growth Type: All-Rounder/Special
Air: A
Land: S
Sea: B
Space: A
Spirit Commands:
Accelerate (SP 4)
Effort (SP 8)
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Skills:
EXP Up
SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9, SP Recovery, Focus)
Telekinesis Lv.4
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Kills: 4