Who: Kyosuke, OTA
What: Rune Armor Basic Training
When: January Combat Lessons
Where: The Arena of Trials
Warning: Teenagers with giant robots, what could possibly go wrong?

It was uncertain who, exactly, at the Federation had authorized this but someone certainly did. And so it was that Kyosuke, early in his tenure as Combat Instructor, brought an entire class to the Arena of Trials. Waiting for them were four Rune Armors assembled before them.

Kyosuke waited for the students to assemble stone-faced, before beginning the lesson with little preamble.

"What you see before you are known as RPT-007, the Gespenst Mk. II M. These are Rune Armors produced primarily within the United States for Supernatural Response forces that require additional firepower. You'll see a number of them active within the US, UN and EU forces. They're cheap, stable, and reliable. While they do utilize Magi-core Drives for the power source, the base armor and equipment is entirely non-magical. While many of you possess a number of potent abilities, there may come a time when you are required to face something of greater size and power - these armors can significantly increase your combat potential and capabilities."

"Today, we'll be focusing on the basics - how to pilot a Rune Armor. Movement and mobility. As there are four units, everyone will have 15 minutes to try it out before swapping to the next group. Today's class is scheduled for three hours, so that should provide ample time for everyone to get accustomed to the armors. If we have time left and you show particular aptitude, we may get a bit more ambitious and try some combat maneuvers. I expect good things, Daybreak. Let's begin.

A. Basic Maneuvering

While Rune Armors are not completely removed from regular movement, they can be a bit tricky. Within the confines of the armor, it mimics your personal movements on a far grander scale. While this means that a lot of your personal skill and maneuverability can easily be utilized within the armor, it's not exactly one-for-one, more exaggerated movements can easily throw off the balance of the armor and send you to the ground. For students hoping to master these machines, they'll need to learn to keep their movements constrained and minimal for optimal results.

B. Advanced Maneuvering

Students that show particular facility with Rune Armor movement will be moved to more advanced trials - in this case, a basic obstacle course. Students will need to maneuver their armor under a length of wire barricade and then climb a large ledge. Simple, really. Or at least so it looks - it requires a lot more precision than basic walking.

C. Mock Battle

If there are at least four students who show promise, Kyosuke will permit a mock battle. The Gespensts will be armed with paintball-loaded rifles and giant foam bats in the shape of a short-sword and be permitted to assault each other, either as a free-for-all or a 2v2 battle. If students are feeling especially cocky, they may also challenge Kyosuke to a 3v1 match.

This is not recommended.