The Cyborg System-Chapter 51: Faculty Meeting

The masters were gathered around a large table in the faculty room. This was the first major meeting they had required since the term had begun, and all combat class instructors and form tutors were present.

"First of all," said Headmaster Collins. "We would like to congratulate our newest member. Master Yamamoto has replaced Master Garcia as Sword Master with immediate effect."

Yamamoto bowed slightly to applause.

"I’m sure, as I have, you’ve heard good things, and you’ll join me in welcoming him to our faculty... Is there anything you’d like to say, while you’ve got the chance?"

"It is an honour to train with our allies from the West," said Mr Yamamoto.

"Good, good... Now, this is not merely a social gathering, and as our first order of business, we must discuss the upcoming expedition to the beast planets... There has been some discussion between the powers that be that we should be taking a more aggressive approach in the war against the beasts."

At that, there were murmurs between the group. The military training was thorough and progressive for a reason: it minimised risk, and unnecessary deaths.

"Be assured, we are still only discussing Xeno Minor as the destination. However," said Headmaster Collins. "I do believe some of our cohort would be quite capable of facing some of the unconquered territories."

"Is this not rash?" asked Master Berg.

"I assure you," said Headmaster Collins. "I have no intentions of sending home students in body bags. What I do wish, though, is to not hold back those who would benefit from an accelerated training regime. Just the other day, one of our first years from the Drowned took out a predator-tier beast."

The staff whispered amongst one another, as this fact was not widely known—and frankly, quite surprising. Not many second years could lay claim to that honour.

"What exactly did you have in mind?" asked Master Mancini, the Elemental Fighting Master, twirling his finger through his long white hair.

"Simple," said the Headmaster. "Three of the more experienced masters will go with the groups led by the Indigo and Violet sashes. Three will go with everyone else, to the usual training grounds. And one will stay on standby, ready to deploy if needed. The rest of you will of course remain here to teach the second years."

"Is splitting us up wise?" asked Master Wood.

This was becoming too much for Headmaster Collins to bare. Sure, his position was one based on his administrative skills, rather than the power of his ability, but he was still the leader of the institution. "I believe you can handle yourselves sufficiently to keep a few students safe if anything major happens." Master Berg glared at Karelin.

"Besides," said the headmaster. "My mind is made up. Now, who wants to go?"

At that, everyone in the room raised their hands. It appeared as if everyone wanted the opportunity to hunt some beasts.

"Firstly," said Headmaster Collins. "One must remain from each discipline. Otherwise, classes for the second years would have to be cancelled. You can decide who will be going between yourselves." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Master Berg and Apprentice Karelin looked at one another, as many others did. "I went last time," said Master Berg. "You go, if you want?"

Karelin smiled. In this way, the other groups were decided too, but that still left one question on everyone’s mind.

"Who will go to the unconquered territories?" asked Master Reed tentatively.

"Master Yamamoto will cut his teeth on this mission. Who else wants to go with him?"

Again, nearly everyone who had been chosen from their respective disciplines raised their hand. Whether they just wanted the challenge, or an opportunity to see a prominent name from the Eastern Suns in action was not clear.

"Master Dunn," said Headmaster Collins. "I believe your range skills would complement Master Yamamoto’s nicely."

Master Dunn let out a kind of grunt, acknowledging this was acceptable.

"And Master Mancini, your abilities seem a perfect match for a cohort containing so many strong elemental users."

"I look forward to it," said Master Mancini.

"Okay, who’s on standby then? On babysitting duty?" asked Master Reed.

Everyone’s gaze slowly turned towards him.

"If you wouldn’t mind," said Headmaster Collins.

He bit his tongue, thinking: "Transformation Arts is always looked down upon. They wouldn’t treat a Melee Arms master this way..."

Master Dunn asked: "Which of the unconquered territories will we be travelling to?" He was wondering how the territory would align with his skills and what further preparations could be made.

"I have a suggestion," said Master Ackerman, the Group Warfare instructor. "You are taking the Drowned girl, yes? Why not explore the coastal territories, then, where they are at their strongest?"

"Does that not give their group an unfair advantage?" asked Master Wood.

"Unfair?" said Master Mancini. "The Drowned have produced one of the strongest cohorts of Elemental Fighters I have seen in years. Not using their strengths would be wasteful. Besides, there’s nothing fair about the distribution of power. They have it, so we should use it while we can."

"It’s settled then," said Headmaster Collins. "Master Yamamoto, Dunn and Mancini will take the teams led by the elites to the coastal regions. Master Wood, Master Ackerman and Apprentice Karelin will go to the training grounds near Fortress One. And Master Reed..."

"I’ll be waiting at the base, ready to deploy."

Master Wood held back a small chuckle.

*

When the room was cleared, Headmaster Collins and Master Wood lagged behind. She didn’t exactly try to hide it and he had a strong sense he knew what this would be about. She feigned interest in the décor, studying a painting of a spirit beast on the wall...

"So, what does your father have to say, then?" he asked, impatiently.

"The general would like to know if any progress has been made on the young man with a time affinity?"

"We’ve made an offer... but so have the Alchemists. They’re offering more than we can really justify. We were hoping to match it in other ways."

"And Legion?"

"No trouble so far. They keep to themselves, mostly. Master Reed is impressed with the boy. He swears he will beat the second years in this year’s tournament... A violet and an indigo sash... they really have done incredibly well for themselves."

"Yes," said Master Wood. "A little too well."