28th of March 2056 Switzerland / Bern

It was the first day of combat training. All students made a line and listened to the teacher. While professor Olsen is calm and easy-going, General Meyer was energetic and well…

“As you, all know that the future of your family and Europe is in your hands. Till the end of this year, you need to show us that you can rank up your esper abilities or make better use of them in combat. So today you’ll show me what you’re capable of without your powers.”

The test like a hundred meters run, long jump, and a number of pullups in one minute showed that Osir in the class has an average score. The highest scores got a not-so-tall girl with long black hair and red eyes. It was the same girl that ignored professor Olsen.

“I know that you’re starting here but guys! Mark and Tobias! How bad are you at running? Emilie! Zero muscles. At least two of you are good. Aria and Lucas congrats! Ten minutes break and we’ll see what your abilities are capable of.”

Meanwhile in the locker room.

“Wow, Lucas! You are so strong! And fast.” Said Osir.

“You think so? Well If I would use my ability in the long jump I would score ten meters.”

“WHAT! Ten? What is your ability?! I didn’t ask before.”

“My esper power is named Adrenaline. For a short duration of time, I can boost my strength, speed, and reflexe. That’s why I have a watch with me, to count how much time I got left.”

“Cool!”

“Well, I also didn’t ask but what is your power?”

“I can control the temperature.”

“Sounds cool. We’ll see in a few minutes your abilities but I’m curious what ability Aria has.”

General Meyer is rank A. His esper power is cloning. He is able to create two clones that have the same power as him but every third clone makes them less powerful. Since clones don’t feel the pain students will fight against them. It was hand-to-hand combat with few exceptions.

“Rules are simple, I’ll create six clones and you’ll be fighting only one of them. The clone will be three times weaker than I so don’t fear him… that much at least. You lose if the clone will make you fall flat on the ground and you win if you make him fall down or knock him out.”

The first one to be tested was Martin. He got the worst scores on the previous test. He is able to control air to some degree. Martin used his power to jump high in the air and using wind he boosted himself. He was going to make a clone fall with one punch. Before impact, the clone grabbed his hand and threw Martin over his shoulder.

“Interesting power but you didn’t pay much attention to the enemy. Next!”

It was Emilie’s turn. Everyone was thinking about how she is going to fight. Her stand was weird but many thought that this is some fighting style that they don’t know about. She started running toward the clone. He took a defensive position and raised his hands to his chest. Emilie was going to punch him but… she tripped and fell to the ground.

“Uhm… are you ok?” Asked the clone.

She grabbed her head and said:

“Sorry, I’m not good at fighting.”

“I see… What’s your power?”

“Cell Creation”

“Ok, then I’ll test you in another way.”

General Meyer tossed a knife at the clone. Clone cuts his arm leaving a deep wound.

“Are you able to heal that?” Asked the clone.

Emilie ran her fingers over the wound and she completely healed it.

“Your ability is good for support but you need to find a way how to use it in a fight or learn some martial art.”

Colne was getting ready to defend himself but he was confused because Osir just stood there. When the signal to begin was given Osir raised his toward the clone. Only the general noticed what he was doing. Sweat appeared on the clone’s face. Then he changed hands. This time effect wasn’t visible.

He started running but his hand was still raised toward the clone. He tried punching the clone with his right fist but the clone dodged it. Clone wavered a little bit and tried punching Osir but he missed and fell to the ground.

“Impressive power, first you heated the clone's head by doing it, he didn’t feel well and lost awareness of his balance. Then you frizzed his body to slow his movement. But in real combat, you would lose. It took you too long to heat and frizz him.”

After that fight, more students thought about their moves before attacking but still not many passed the test. Only two were left to test.

“Lucas Huber! Your turn.”

Lucas began stretching before the fight. He got into position ready to run. As soon as the signal was given he ran faster than before. Lucas jumped in front of the clone and punched him. He blocked it with crossed arms.

Lucas tried kicking him but this time it wasn’t as powerful as earlier. The clone grabbed his leg and pinched Lucas to the ground. Lucas got angry because he thought that his power is more powerful than three times weaker rank A esper.

“You passed.” Said, general.

Everyone was surprised and started whispering to each other “why?”

“Look behind me.”

Behind general Meyer only stood two clones. That means that the clone's power is half of the original.

“I did it because three times weaker clone would lose with one punch. This clone ended with cracking only one bone. I see that your current limit is time. Seven seconds if I am correct.”

“Yes. You’re right sir.” Answered Lucas.

“And the last one Aria.”

Aria got into the position same as Lucas. Everyone thought that the best in their class are boost fighters but Aria ran with the same speed as earlier. She tried to punch the clone but he grabbed her fist. At the same time, he was hit by a rock in the back of his head. Clone loosens his grip. Aria used it and jumped on the clone’s back and pinched him to the ground.

It was the fastest round today. Again everyone was whispering but this time everyone was wondering what kind of power does she have.

“Your power rank is D yet you’re able to use it very well. Telekinesis specializes in fighting. This is rare in Center School. That would be all for today. We would have two more hours but! The nurse needs to examine you all.”

After the examination, everyone went to their new rooms in the dormitory. Everyone got one roommate. Osir was lucky and shares his room with Lucas. As for Emilie, she shares a room with Aria.