The training area buzzed with chatter as students gathered around the large round table in the center of the room. Above it hovered a detailed holographic map—an entire simulated battlefield projected in glowing blue light. Buildings, streets, checkpoints, and possible combat zones flickered across its surface.

Among the crowd stood Hoshina. With his usual relaxed posture, both hands tucked into his pockets, he leaned slightly forward to look at the map. His narrow eyes were squinted closed as always, giving him that calm, almost sleepy appearance people often mistook for laziness.

But he was observing everything. He quietly scanned the room.

Groups of students were already forming small circles, chatting excitedly about today’s activity. Some were analyzing the holographic terrain, others were joking around, confident in their abilities.

Hoshina, however, stood alone. It wasn’t that he had no friends. His friends were simply in other classes.

Still, the distance between him and the others in this room felt larger than just class assignments. Many of them looked down on him. And they didn’t bother hiding it.

Most of the Defense Force trainees preferred firearms. Rifles, heavy artillery, precision shooting—modern weaponry designed to handle the massive Kaiju that frequently appeared. Blades, especially traditional sword techniques, were considered outdated.

And Hoshina used two swords. Even a few lecturers had told him bluntly that it was pointless. "If you can't adapt to firearms, you should reconsider joining the Defense Force."

Hoshina had heard that sentence more times than he could count. He tried to ignore it. Really, he did. Usually he could brush it off with a laugh, the way he always did. But sometimes… those words stuck in his mind longer than he wanted to admit. A quiet sigh escaped him as he studied the glowing map.

Despite all the criticism, he still ranked higher than most of the students here—scoring better than almost ninety percent of them in combat theory, strategy, and practical training.

Which only made them dislike him even more. Someone who used swords outperforming them? That stung their pride.

A moment later, the door slid open. The lecturer stepped into the room, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. The chatter slowly died down.

"Alright everyone," the instructor announced, activating the simulation interface. The holographic map zoomed out slightly, revealing fifteen small glowing markers scattered across the terrain.

"Today's activity will test your teamwork and your ability to adapt to firearms."

A faint murmur spread across the room. Hoshina already had a bad feeling about this.

"You will form teams of two," the lecturer continued. "Your objective is to activate as many checkpoints as possible across the map. There are fifteen checkpoints in total."

Several of the markers flashed brighter.

"You may also take over checkpoints that have already been captured by another team."

Some students grinned competitively.

"The only weapon allowed for this simulation will be rifles provided by the training facility."

At that exact moment, a few students turned their heads toward Hoshina. Snickers quietly spread through the room.

"Your time limit is thirty minutes," the lecturer added. "Minor injuries only. The simulation will register your hits."

The briefing ended. Immediately, students began pairing up. Names were called. Partners were chosen. Strategies were discussed.

Meanwhile...Hoshina didn’t move. He simply stood there, staring at the holographic map while the room slowly emptied of unpaired students. He already knew how this would go. Nobody would choose him.

Using rifles was his weakest area. He knew the basics, of course—any Defense Force trainee had to—but compared to the others here, he was clearly behind. And if a team wanted to win…they wouldn’t pick him. Another quiet sigh slipped from his lips. His gaze remained fixed on the glowing streets of the simulation.

Well…guess I'll just wait until the lecturer forces someone to with me. Then—a tap on his shoulder.