Chapter 23: More than Meets the Eye

After summoning their eidolon companions, the students of Class 1 Red were ready for the moment of truth. Ms. Melor reminded everyone to bring their Ki card and Gear's helm today because it was the day the kids would be activating their Gear for the first time.

The students gathered at the Training Arena, as the Academyhands brought their Training Gears there for the first activation sequence. With anticipation filling the air, the students of Class 1 Red gathered around Ms. Melor, their Ki cards held tightly in their hands.

The room buzzed with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy as they prepared for the long-awaited moment of activating their Gears. Ms. Melor, standing at the front of the class, smiled warmly at her students.

「 Ms. Melor 」

"Today is a significant day, my dear students."

"It's time to awaken the true potential of your Gears."

"Through your strong bond with your eidolons, you will harness the power of your Ki card and embark on a thrilling journey of magic and self-discovery."

"Are you all ready?"

The students nodded eagerly, their eyes shining with determination.

"Very well, let us begin."

"Go to the Gear with your name on it, and try it on."

"Zanno... Do you need help to put yours on?"

「 Zanno 」

"I think I will manage, Ms. Melor."

Zanno strolled toward the Training Gear that had his name on it. His Gear was slightly different from those of his classmates. It looks like an armored wheelchair. A slight grin carved on his face as he was about to activate his Gear for the very first time.

Everyone put their Gears on. Strapping every piece securely in place. Once they were ready, Ms. Melor continued with the activation process.

「 Ms. Melor 」

"Now, everyone, put on your helm."

"Focus your energy and visualize the connection you have forged with your eidolons."

"Feel their presence within you, guiding and empowering you."

"Concentrate on the bond that you share and summon them."

The students closed their eyes, taking deep breaths to center themselves. They visualized the ethereal forms of their eidolons, feeling their essence intertwine with their own. The students' eidolons were summoned with ease due to Ms. Melor's detailed instructions.

As Zanno sat in his Gear, he concentrated on his bond with his eidolon, Olivia. He imagined the merging of their energies, the harmony of shadow and light. Zanno's wheelchair-like Gear began to emit a soft glow, resonating with his resolution.

"Now let the eidolons prepare the Gears for you!"

The Gears' core began pulsating with power as the eidolons were getting them ready for activation. The small size of the Gears made regulating the mana currents easier as they hold a lesser number of magical circuits.

The students felt a surge of anticipation as their Gears' cores pulsed with energy, attuned to the presence of their eidolons. The harmonious connection between the students and their companions allowed the eidolons to synchronize with the Gears seamlessly.

Ms. Melor observed with satisfaction as the Gears' magical circuits activated, humming with energy. The helms began to emit a soft glow, signifying that they were ready for activation.

"Now, my dear students, open your eyes and embrace the power that lies within."

"Focus your will and let the activation sequence commence."

The students opened their eyes, finding themselves surrounded by anticipation. They were feeling the cool esther helm against their skin. A surge of energy coursed through their bodies, merging with the power of their eidolons.

"Now kids, I think you know what comes next."

「 Class 1 Red 」

"Yeaaaahhhh!"

The people of Cardinal Peaks have a deep love for the gladiators of the Gear Arena. The sacred words uttered by an announcer before a match were embedded in them for generations.

「 Ms. Melor 」

"Class 1 Red..."

"Gear up!"

Everyone brandished their Ki card and simultaneously inserted them into their Ki slots located in their belts. One by one, the students experienced their Gear activation for the first time.

A Gear without an owner will always be in the color they were made. But once it is activated, it will gather the genetic information from the Ki card and align it with the magic aptitude of the wearer. This is when the Gears will take its true form.