Chapter 2.1

Surprisingly, the last class for Alina was the combat course, which was being taught by Ms. Silvia once again.

"Alright, everyone! I know your instructor was Mr. Cage, however, he hasn't been seen today so I'll be substituting for him," Ms. Silvia purposefully clapped her hands while activating her SEC device. Her claps were magnified immediately, causing a small shockwave of visible sound waves that stunned the talkative class while drawing their attention. [1]

"Today we won't be having an actual combat simulation. Rather, you'll show me your abilities so I can evaluate your true capabilities. Now then, gather into groups and discuss your abilities with your classmates while waiting for your turn to have an evaluation with me."

The class was relatively small, so Alina, Asami, and Michelle immediately grouped together and began discussing their strengths.

"I'll go first. My ESPer power is electrical manipulation. I can create a field around me that can detect bullets and stun melee attackers. I can also charge my fists and legs with electricity, which is handy when I use it with my martial art skills. Oh right, and I can talk to electronics," Alina, while stretching, began confidently but ended in a lower voice.

"Whoa, you know Kung Fu? Wait a sec, talk to electronics? As in... you … talk to your ... PC?" Asami asked awkwardly while taking a step back.

"No! Not talk talk! I mean, I don't speak to it out loud but I can electrically communicate with it. Think of me as being able to infect a computer or device with a virus that lets me control them," Alina quickly corrected in a snappish manner, her cheeks finished with embarrassment.

"Commode," said Michelle, looking impressed. "Can you speak to a machine compliquée, like a SEC Dispositif?"

"Unfortunately, no. The Psionic Aether from the caster surrounding it interferes with my ability," Alina shook her head.

Although, Jason was convinced I could if I tried, Alina finished in her mind as Asami beamed and began explaining her skill.

"Ooh, I'm next! I'm a onesie and my ability is Copyright! It lets me copy the ability of anyone I know as long as I have my SEC Phone!" [2]

"Impressive but why is it only a level one ability? And why name it Copyright?" asked Alina as she thought of the various ways that Asami could use her ability.

"Well, I mean, like, it only works if I have my SEC with me. Take that away and I'm your ordinary gorgeous high school girl. Also, the copied ability is really weak. Like, say, if I tried to copy your ability, I'll only be able to stun opponents like a taser. As for the name, I picked it myself. Sounds cool right!" explained Asami helplessly before psyching herself up mentally.

"Still impressive, now mon tour. I am level 3, my ability is ERP. Enhanced Reflexes and Perception, it makes me an excellent shooter and brawler. Also, my SEC is both a device and a gun."

"Fully loaded?" asked Alina with raised eyebrows, a disbelieving tone evident in her voice.

"Mn, with rubber bullets." Michelle nodded impassively while pulling out her gun, a VP12 with a large capacity clip, and showing it off to them. "Also I carry clips with real bullets, au cas où." [3]

She then proceeded to pull out half a dozen clips from thin air, with both live and rubber rounds in them.

"Uh, is a student supposed to carry those?" retorted Alina in response with a raised eyebrow.

"Hmm," nodded Michelle again, looking rather stoic. "I have a license, ne t'inquiète pas."

"That's why she's named Chimera, the Ice Soldier," Asami leaned towards Alina and whispered in her ear. "She shoots people while having that look, that cold look! But sometimes you see her smiling afterwards! I swear, she enjoys shooting people."

Great, thought Alina. Another emotionless shooter. Definitely not introducing her to Jason, he'll teach her how to perfect that cold look! Wait a minute, I shouldn't introduce any girl to him! That damn womanizer.

"Ok, girls, let's see what you can do," Ms. Silvia had arrived while they were conversing and prepared to test them.

"So what's the plan, Ms. Graves?" asked Alina in a polite and respectful manner while Michelle stood up straight like a solider.

"Oh dear, please call me Ms. Silvia, my surname sounds a bit dreadful." Ms. Silvia said. "As for your group, I think it's best if we skip the whole training and have a little fun."

"Uh oh," hissed Asami in a quiet voice, a horrified look in her eyes. "We're so screwed."