"Soldiers, take him to the dressing area," Dr. Setme commanded, her voice dripping with authority. "Make sure he's properly suited up for the occasion."

The soldiers obeyed without question, guiding Takumi to a designated area where a pilot suit awaited him. He changed quickly, his thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. As he stood in the pilot suit, he felt a mixture of anticipation and dread, a sense of foreboding about the upcoming battle.

Once he was ready, Dr. Setme and Dr. Koch approached him once more. Dr. Setme's grin widened as she looked him up and down. "You look the part, Alpha. Today is a good day. You've gained enough experience in the virtual capsule, and now you're ready for real-life training."

Dr. Koch's gaze was unwavering as he continued, "Your mission is straightforward yet challenging. You'll be facing off against another mass-produced Gespenst Mk-II, piloted by one of our soldiers. Your task is to defeat the enemy pilot without destroying their mech or killing them."

Takumi's brow furrowed as he processed the instructions. The challenge was clear—to incapacitate the enemy pilot and mech without causing lethal harm. He realized that this task would test not only his combat skills but also his ability to exercise control and restraint.

Dr. Setme's voice dripped with sadistic amusement as she added, "Of course, the soldier piloting the enemy mech won't have to worry about such restrictions. They can fight as ruthlessly as they please."

Takumi's muscles tensed as he looked between Dr. Setme and Dr. Koch. Their intent was clear—this was yet another trial, a brutal test of his capabilities and his will to survive. He couldn't afford to fail, not when the consequences were so dire.

"Are you ready, Alpha?" Dr. Koch's voice held a chilling edge as he spoke.

Takumi swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. "Yes, I'm ready."

“Oh yes, I almost forgot your Gespenst Mk-II has been outfitted with multiple bombs. Please refrain from doing anything that would force us to activate them okay? Do your best and don’t disappoint me.” said Dr. Setme to which Takumi answered, “Yes doctor.”

“Doctor? That sound so distant didn’t I tell you you can call me Mother? I’m sure I did right Alpha? Oh I must be getting old.” said Dr. Setme jokingly as she pulled out the remote that had caused Takumi so much pain.

Takumi's heart raced as Dr. Setme's words sunk in. The addition of bombs to his Gespenst Mk-II added a whole new layer of complexity to the challenge. Not only did he have to defeat the enemy pilot without causing lethal harm, but he also had to be cautious of his action so that these monsters would not trigger the bombs that were now a part of his own mech.

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Takumi nodded in response to Dr. Setme's instructions, his expression one of apprehension. The thought of her being in control of both the neural shock chip and the explosives was both terrifying and a reminder of just how twisted The School's methods were.

As Dr. Setme commented on being called "doctor" and joked about being old, Takumi's lips twitched into a forced smile. "Of course, Mother. I apologize for any oversight."

Dr. Setme's laughter echoed through the hangar, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Takumi's spine. Her amusement only served to heighten his unease, as he knew that her jovial demeanor masked a cruel and twisted mind.

With a final lingering gaze, Dr. Setme stepped away, leaving Takumi alone. With that, the soldiers led Takumi to the cockpit of the Gespenst Mk-II, strapping him in and sealing the canopy. As the mech powered up, he could feel the hum of its energy coursing through him. The hangar doors opened, revealing the expanse beyond.

Takumi's heart raced as he felt the mech's power surging through him, a melding of man and machine that was both exhilarating and daunting. The hangar doors slowly opened, revealing the battlefield beyond. Takumi's fingers tightened on the controls, and he guided the Gespenst Mk-II forward with a mixture of determination and trepidation. The bright lights of the hangar faded, replaced by the open expanse of the training ground.

Across from him stood the enemy Gespenst Mk-II, an imposing figure that mirrored his own. Takumi knew that this would be a battle of skill, strategy, and nerve. As his cockpit connected to the communication channel, he heard Dr. Koch's voice. "Alpha, engage."

Takumi's fingers tightened around the controls as the Gespenst Mk-II sprang into action. The transition from virtual simulation to the real mech was palpable—every movement, every vibration, was amplified. He could feel the weight of the mech, the hum of its energy coursing through his body, and the subtle shifts in balance with every step it took. The sensation of G-forces pressed him into his seat, and he could feel the power of the machine resonating within him.

As he guided the Gespenst Mk-II forward, the ground beneath him shifted with each step, a dance of precision and power. The wide expanse of the training ground lay before him, and his gaze locked onto the enemy Gespenst Mk-II. Its presence was imposing, a mirrored reflection of his own machine, and the tension in the air was electric.

The battle began with a symphony of energy bolts, the bright flashes of light piercing the air as the mechs exchanged laser fire. Takumi's mind raced, his instincts taking over as he maneuvered his machine with a calculated grace. He used the terrain to his advantage, utilizing cover and elevation changes to shield himself from incoming fire.

The enemy pilot was relentless, their movements aggressive and calculated. The Gespenst Mk-II danced and weaved, each movement a testament to its agility and power. Takumi's heart pounded as he expertly evaded incoming attacks, his fingers dancing over the controls with fluid precision.

With a burst of speed, he closed the distance between them, his plasma blades extending with a crackling surge of energy. The clash of metal on metal reverberated through the air as their blades collided, creating a dazzling display of sparks and energy. Takumi's eyes locked onto the enemy mech's sudden attack when it shot a smoke bomb reducing the visibility of the area.

The battle raged on, the mechs weaving a deadly dance of strategy and skill. Takumi's mind raced as he analyzed the situation, his virtual displays providing real-time data about the enemy's movements but with the smoke screen, the data was somewhat delayed as he received a few hits. He fired back with calculated precision, aiming to disable rather than destroy.

With a surge of energy, Takumi executed a calculated shot that hit the enemy mech's left leg, causing it to stagger and its movements to become sluggish. Takumi's heart raced as he seized the upper hand, catching his breath amidst the chaos. His plasma blade was poised, aimed directly at the soldier's cockpit as he demanded surrender.

Yet, the soldier's defiance knew no bounds. With a determined roar, they activated their own plasma saber, the blade emitting a brilliant, menacing glow. Takumi's eyes widened as the enemy mech lunged forward, the plasma saber slashing through the air with deadly intent. Instinct kicked in, and he reacted swiftly, maneuvering his own mech with precision to narrowly avoid the lethal strike.

The clash of metal against metal reverberated through the air, sparks flying as the enemy's plasma saber missed its mark. Takumi's heart raced as he deftly evaded the attack, his mind calculating the next move. He knew that the soldier's refusal to surrender meant that the battle was far from over, and he needed to find a way to subdue the enemy without causing further destruction.