Captain Steve Rogers's POV
Standing on the stands overlooking the arena, I couldn't help but reminisce as I listened to Bucky read the reports containing information about the cadets aloud.
"First we have Cadet Raymond fou Arkin, Grace: Water, Rank: E - C. Facing Private Shinei Nozen, Grace: Fire, Rank: B.
"Followed by your Disciple, Cadet Daniel fou Durland, Grace: Earth, Rank C. He will face Private Raiden Shuga, Grace: Wind, Rank: C.
" Cadet Leon fou Bartfort, Grace: Storm, Rank C.
Capable of manipulating already existing Wind, Sound, Water, and Lightning.
He has however decided to keep the extent of conjunction under wraps.
He will be facing the one we think is his most incompatible opponent: Private Theo Rika, Grace: Mud, Rank: B.
"And Cadet Lex fou Bartfort, Grace: Eclipse, Rank: C. Fire, light manipulation at daytime; Ice, shadow manipulation at night.
Will face Private Daiya Irma, Grace: Water, Rank B."
After he was done, I couldn't help but add, "I know the kids have zero to no chance to win, but I can't help but hope,"
I said with a smile.He just laughed along with my delusional idea.
"Hahaha, me too, Steve, but let's not count them out yet; they have always found ways to surprise us." The way he said it surprised me—how he now cared for them compared to how he was at the beginning.
Lex's POV
Watching Daniel pacing about the room, panicking, I couldn't help but find it funny, but at the same time annoying.
"Can you stop doing that? Now look, you're making me nervous," Raymond cried out.
"How can you tell me to calm down? We're being told to fight people who are a whole rank above us, and have at least five years of experience above us." Then, as if he just remembered something horrid, he added,
"If I fail to pass, Master is going to kill me by increasing my training!"
"Oh, there you go again bragging about your master," Raymond responded with mock exasperation.
"What do you think I have to brag about? I came back from training with him half-dead everyday! I'm so glad it ends today," the last part he spoke with hope.
And Raymond was there to rain on his parade. "Are you sure that it ends today? I mean, today is the day the camp ends, but if the Captain asks you to stay, what would you say?"
"Please don't say that or you'll jinx it," Daniel pleaded.
Looking over at Leon, I asked,
"How long do you think this will last?"My question seemed to rile up Daniel and Raymond that before Leon could respond they were already in my face.
"And why exactly are the two of you so calm?"
I looked at them like they were idiots.Gave them the answer I thought was the most natural
"I gave my blood, sweat, and tears to get where I am right now. So if I go out there and get my ass handed to me, it would mean that I was not up to par and all I need to do is train harder. But if I win, that will be sure to knock the pants off the Sergeant!"
Adding all the charm I could, I stood atop a desk and proudly spoke,
"Hear me, my brothers! Being weak is not a sin, but staying weak when you still have something to give—now that is a warrior's greatest sin!"
I was sure that was an inspirational proclamation, but as always, someone (Leon) just had to open their mouth.
"Get off the table, you idiot! Because I swear if I have to do one more punishment because of you, I will kill you! Plus, all they said was we are only supposed to impress them." And there he goes, talking like I'm the only one who gets punished around here.
Before I could retaliate, we heard someone else's voice: "Daniel fou Durland, your presence is being requested in arena 4. The rest of you can follow me to the stands."
To show we got the order, we gave the man simple salutes.
Omni POV
Daniel fou Durland slowly walked down the arena's corridor as he approached the stage. In his hand he held a spear made of magi-steel, the weapon he was most comfortable with, and fully armored in next-gen Carbonan Weave armor.
Standing on the stage while waiting for his opponent, he couldn't help but notice all the members of The 104th Regiment (a.k.a. Howling Commandos), whom he had got to know through his tenure here.When his opponent finally arrived, they gave each other simple introductions.
"I am Cadet Daniel fou Durland, and I thank you for this opportunity."
"Raiden Shuga, and don't worry, I'll try to hold back, since you're a kid and all."The young man was lightly tanned, tall, and muscular with broad shoulders, a well-built frame that would stand out among a crowd, with short, spiky dark brown hair and a noticeable scar above his left eyebrow, which gave him a rugged look.
Daniel, acting strong, stood resolutely ready to square off with his opponent, but the viewers could see he was shaking a bit.