Chapter 21: Shinra Academy

"So, this is the Shinra Military Academy..."

While not as imposing as Shinra Headquarters, it was still a magnificent structure. I never imagined I’d find myself back in a school setting at this stage of my life.

"Captain Cloud Strife, I presume? Executive Heidegger informed us of your arrival. Please, this way."

I followed a male instructor who had been waiting at the entrance and stepped inside.

"I was told you wanted me to conduct a mock battle with the students..."

"Precisely, precisely! We want the students to learn how those who have experienced the true front lines actually fight. Our academy instructors are former SOLDIER members, of course, but having someone currently active in the field provides a more practical perspective."

Though his suit hid it well, the way this instructor moved and the set of his muscles gave him away as a trained combatant. He gave a slight, wry smile before continuing.

"To be honest... we have a particularly gifted student in the second-year class. She’s so talented, in fact, that we’re having trouble keeping up with her."

"You’re having trouble because she’s too talented?"

The instructor lowered his voice slightly as he began to describe just how exceptional this student was.

"She isn't quite at the top of her class in overall grades, but her practical combat skills are extraordinary. She’s already earned three of the emblems we award to top achievers. She’s a good kid, stays on top of her studies, but..."

"Is there a problem?"

"Well, the truth is, we aren't able to keep her motivated. We can teach her the theory, but in terms of practical technique, there’s nothing left for the academy to show her. Ideally, she’d be out gaining field experience or enrolled in a higher-level program."

As he went into detail, I learned that her older sister works for The Turks, and the girl apparently has a bit of a complex about it. While she could technically join an advanced program while still enrolled, completing it would almost certainly guarantee her a transfer into the Turks.

"Most students aim for those special programs as their ultimate goal. She’s more than qualified, but we can't force her if she lacks the drive."

To make matters worse, her talent has made her the target of harassment from jealous peers. The faculty wants to do something about the bullying, but since they can’t move her into the advanced program without her consent, their hands are tied.

"That’s why inviting someone from the outside like this is such a great opportunity. It’ll be a good reality check for the bullies, and it might provide the spark young Elena-kun needs to start aiming higher."

"I’m so excited for today’s special training, Elena!"

"Me too. It’s rare to see someone who isn't from Public Security or the Turks come here."

My friend’s voice was bright, and honestly, I was looking forward to today as well. Standard training had started to feel hollow, yet I had no desire to join the Turk candidate program.

I knew I couldn't graduate as class valedictorian like Onee-chan (Emma) did. To spite her and her serious-to-a-fault attitude, I intentionally avoided the handguns she favored and focused entirely on martial arts. Thanks to that, I didn't feel like I could lose to anyone in hand-to-hand combat, even the upperclassmen.

Well, because of that, I ended up thrashing an upperclassman during training once, and the instructors told me they had nothing left to teach me. They said if I wanted specialized training, I’d have to join the Turk-exclusive program, but I have no intention of going where Onee-chan is.

If I were to go anywhere, maybe the SOLDIER department? My aptitude tests showed I was a match. If it means getting stronger, I’d rather make my mark there and show Onee-chan what I’m truly capable of.

Rumors had already spread among the students that today’s guest wasn't from Public Security or the Turks. That meant there was a high probability it was someone from SOLDIER.

When people think of SOLDIER, they think of the hero Sephiroth, or more recently, the achievements of Zack-san's unit, which has been all over the news. This was the perfect chance to learn from the best—and if I was lucky, I wanted the seniors to remember my name. For when I eventually become a SOLDIER myself.

"Look, look! He’s so handsome. Is he a SOLDIER?"

"Probably. Look at the weapon on his back. The Turks use all sorts of weapons, but SOLDIERs almost always carry swords."

The blond man who entered the training room looked only a few years older than us. On his back, he carried a sword identical in shape to the one Zack-san carries—the one I’ve seen so often in Shinra's PR broadcasts. Perhaps it’s a special piece of equipment issued only to the elite.

"Nice to meet you all. I’m Cloud Strife from the Advanced Weaponry Division. Since I’m close to you in age, feel free to treat me like a slightly older senior."

Wait... Advanced Weaponry? People from that department do come by occasionally, but it’s usually for lectures on theory. They never come to the training rooms. As the room began to buzz with whispers, our instructor spoke up.

"Hey! Quiet down! Captain Cloud Strife holds a leadership position in the Weapon Development Department’s Experimental Unit despite his youth. He’s here today to give you all a taste of special training."

An experimental unit? So he’s one of the people who tests new weaponry... Does that mean we’re doing drills with new gear or equipment? That’s a problem. My specialty is martial arts.

Another student raised their hand to ask a question.

"Yes! Does that mean we’ll be practicing with weapons or Advanced Weaponry today?"

"No. We’ll start with a mock battle, and after that, I’ll take individual questions. I want to give you an experience you can’t get in your standard drills."

A mock battle. Does that mean we get to fight this person? He certainly looks like he’s in shape, but...

"Isn't Advanced Weaponry a department for technical officers? Are you sure you're okay to fight, Cloud-senpai?"

A boy in my class who’s overconfident in his skills looked at Cloud-senpai with a skeptical eye. He’s the type who can’t beat me to save his life but acts tough just because his practical grades are near the top of the class.

It’s true that we’re trained against Shinra Sweepers, but to be honest, they’ve become boring. I thought it might be interesting if we were up against a challenging new weapon.

"We’re short on time, so let’s get started. You’re free to attack whenever you’re ready."

With those words, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Last year, the guys from Public Security did one-on-one matches. This felt like a provocation. If he was going to treat us like children, I was going to take him down a notch.

Suddenly, someone fired a gun. But the bullet didn't hit; he deflected it instantly with a sword he had drawn in the blink of an eye.

"I appreciate the quick learners. You can team up or look for openings—just keep coming at me until time is up."

From there, it was incredible. Not a single student could find an opening against Cloud-senpai. Someone cast Fire Materia, but he sliced the spell right in half with his blade.

I dashed toward him at full speed, launching a high kick with everything I had. But my attack was easily seen through; he stepped back half a pace and blocked my kick with the hilt of his sword. Then, he grabbed my leg and threw me. I managed to break my fall, but... he was strong! He might be the strongest person I’ve ever fought!

I quickly regained my stance. Other students swarmed him at once, but none of their attacks landed. He parried every blow, methodically neutralizing them one by one.

"Dammit! Everyone, use long-range attacks all at once!"

At that shout, students with Materia or ranged weapons began a synchronized volley. This was no longer at the level of a drill; it was dangerous. I thought I should step in to stop it, but Cloud-senpai dodged every attack with grace, blurred into the crowd, and continued taking them down.

Before I knew it, we were the only two left standing. Cloud-senpai wasn't even winded, while I was gasping for air. It was frustrating... I had no idea someone this strong existed! He hadn't launched a single attack of his own; he was definitely holding back.

I honestly didn't feel like I could win... but! I lunged at Cloud-senpai with everything. I threw a desperate kick, but it was blocked by the hilt again. He grabbed my leg to throw me, but I adjusted my posture in mid-air, landed, and immediately charged back in.

This time, I rained a flurry of punches down on his sword guard. I didn't give him the room to swing, refusing to let up on my assault. I waited for the moment he would try to force some distance.

"Now!"

Just as he timed a counter to my rhythm, I kicked upward at the handle of his sword.

"Guh...!"

The timing was perfect. If I could just disarm him and force him into a brawl...

But the sword flew into the air far too easily. No—he had let go of the sword the moment I kicked it?!

While my leg was still high in the air, he swept my supporting leg, knocking me off balance. I tumbled and stood up immediately, only to find Cloud-senpai right in front of me. I saw his fist flying toward my face and moved to guard... but I was too slow!

The fist stopped an inch from my face.

"That’s the end of the session. Good work, everyone."

The fist opened into a hand, which he used to gently take mine. He helped me up and shook my hand. As I stood there dazed, the instructor approached Cloud-senpai.

"So, what were your impressions of our students?"

"They were great. I was surprised by how well they moved. Especially the last one—she was really strong."

"Glad to hear it! Now, based on that mock battle, let's have Cloud-san give us a breakdown of his combat tactics."

He then taught us a variety of things: how to use individual weapons, how to fight in a group, and conversely, how to handle multiple opponents when you're alone.

"I have a question! What exactly does the Experimental Unit in Advanced Weaponry do?"

Toward the end, we had a Q&A session. It turns out they act as testers for new weapons and equipment.

"That said, excluding the automated units, it’s a one-man squad. I sometimes borrow personnel from Public Security, but eventually, we might start taking assignments from students here."

I had no interest in the Turks, but this sounded interesting. It might even be better than the SOLDIER department.

"Can I ask a question too, Cloud-senpai!"

"We’re almost out of time, so let’s make Elena-kun’s the last one."

Ah, he already remembered my name. Maybe I made a good impression by holding out until the end. That makes this easier to ask.

"How do you join the Experimental Unit? Is there a special program or an early-recruitment system like the Turks have?"

Cloud-senpai thought about it for a moment before speaking.

"There are no plans for additional personnel right now. And while I’ve heard of the special programs, those are under the jurisdiction of the Turks and Public Security, who manage the academy. We don't have any plans to set up a program here yet."

It was a logical answer, but a disappointing one. I want to join something other than the Turks, but SOLDIER doesn't have a student training program either. I wanted to learn more while I was still in school. If possible, I wanted Cloud-senpai to train me more, but the next chance probably won't be until next year.

Today was meaningful, but thinking about the gap between this and tomorrow’s regular training makes me feel a bit complicated...

Author's Note:

Regarding Elena (イリーナ, Irīna. Alternate names: Yrena): Since there is no official age setting, but she was a rookie Turk in the original game and was a student a year prior, I am assuming she is 19 at her debut. Since Cloud is currently 19 in this story, she is a 17-year-old student, two years his junior.