(2025 Edit) Technomancer: A Magical Girl's Sidekick [Post-Apocalyptic][Mecha][Magical Girls]

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur, with Dior and I staying together to attend the campus tours and various orientation activities. It was standard stuff: meeting with key faculty, learning about emergency resources, brochures with overviews of the various teams and clubs, and other student organizations.

The campus was now bathed in the pink and orange light of the setting sun, casting long shadows over the manicured lawns and grandiose buildings of the school. The air was beginning to turn chilly now, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the perfectly trimmed trees that lined the walkways.

Whispers and hushed conversations seemed to follow Dior and I as we made our way through the crowds of students, the news of my encounter with the noble heiress having spread like wildfire throughout the school.

It was hard not to feel like we were being watched and judged, but we kept our heads high and our eyes forward. Dior's expression remained neutral, her lips pressed together in a tight line. She was trying to hide her emotions, but I could tell that the constant stares were starting to weigh on her.

As we made our way out of yet another lecture hall, I couldn't help but notice the glances and whispers directed our way. Word had spread about our confrontation with Caroline, and the entire student body was buzzing with rumors and speculation. One thing was for sure — our fellow students had given us a wide berth since the encounter. It had been… just the two of us for most of the day. I felt a twinge of anxiety, wondering if I had just made us a powerful enemy.

I'd run through the scenario several times over, and I just couldn't stop thinking about it. Maybe I'd been too aggressive and accusatory. Maybe I should've been more diplomatic and less confrontational, but at the time... it was just...

It was the right thing to do.

I was sure of it. The girl was a bully, plain and simple. But it was clear she'd been coming from some sort of history, some personal pain, that had led her to lash out.

She was just... she was too angry to think clearly. She was hurting. But I hadn't had the tact to realize I'd put my foot in my mouth and made a potential enemy. And that was my fault.

Maybe I should've swallowed my pride and found a way to de-escalate further. There was just something about being talked down to by a haughty, aristocratic girl that set me off in all the worst ways. It was a type of person I hadn't had to deal with much in life, and she rubbed me in all the wrong ways.

And I'd let her know it.

It felt a little silly in retrospect. But I was a stubborn guy. And I'd meant what I'd said. I couldn't just sit by and let her get away with hurting people without any kind of consequence, and I'd tried to tell her as much. It just felt like a natural reaction, a compulsion to step in and say something. As someone who'd treasured what little I'd ever had, I'd been furious at her for callously destroying someone's guitar like that.

I should have known better… I should have known she would never have backed down when I challenged her in front of a mob of students like that.

She'd been forced to respond in some manner, just to maintain her pride.

That didn't make it right, but at least I could understand it a little. It would have made me more of an ass to not do anything, especially with everyone else standing there, watching silently as this girl's prized instrument was obliterated.

I was probably a little more reckless than I'd ever been before, but...

"Dior," I said, breaking the silence. "Do… do you think I made things worse with Caroline? With whatever went on with the girl she was harassing?"

Dior glanced at me, her expression thoughtful. "Perhaps in some ways," she admitted. "But this one believes that standing up to her was important. She needed to see that not everyone would bow to her will. And Dior gets the sense she lashed out in a fit of passion in both cases. She may come to realize her mistake and try to make amends."

I nodded, feeling slightly reassured. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I just hope it doesn't make things harder for us here."

Dior shrugged cryptically, "This one has dealt with far worse. Caroline is a mere petulant child in comparison."

Again, I stared at her, surprised by her subtle, introverted eccentricity and unique personality. There was a lot about Dior that was quirky, to say the least. The way she'd rejected my sandwiches and then enthusiastically taken them when she was hungry was puzzling.

On top of that, her surface-level indifference had also masked a surprisingly strong sense of empathy and justice, which came out in full force when we'd confronted Caroline. Dior was an enigma, and I was glad to befriend her today.

"Hey, so anyway, I think that campus map overview was the last thing we had left for today," I said, changing the subject to something lighter. "Do you have any plans after? I was thinking of checking out the city a bit more."

Dior frowned, pouting for a moment before shaking her head. "Dior has to stay for a special orientation. It is mandatory for all new students in her program. This one apologizes, Ikki."

"Oh, don't worry about it. I get it. Maybe we can explore together some other time." I offered with a smile, feeling slightly disappointed that I'd be going solo.

I understood, of course. We were both here on scholarships, and that came with its own set of responsibilities and expectations. I was set up to meet with the Robotics team and the Magitech club when school opened up for classes, after all.

Dior gave me a small, grateful nod.

"Alright then," I continued. "I'll head back to my apartment for now then. Maybe we could check out the city together later?" I suggested, hoping to salvage some plans for our time off from orientation activities.

Dior hesitated for a moment, her expression conflicted.

"This one cannot promise anything right now, but she will keep the invitation in mind," she replied cautiously.

"Great!" I exclaimed, trying to hide my disappointment at her lack of commitment. I knew I was being a little too eager, but I couldn't help it. "Just let me know whenever you're free. We could explore the city or go on adventures around campus together. Whatever works best for you. We'll have plenty of time to hang out, I'm sure. Just text me when you're done, okay?"

Dior gave a small nod. "Thank you, Ikki."

She turned to go, her petite form disappearing into the crowd of students, and I was left to navigate the campus alone.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness. The day had been intense and emotional, and having the strange girl by my side had been a major comfort. I was still reeling from my encounter with Caroline, but I was also ecstatic. I was finally starting a new chapter in my life, one where I had the opportunity to grow, learn, and make something of myself.

With an exasperated and tired sigh, I walked across the bridge to the subway station, preparing to return to my little enclave. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the city, turning the buildings into silhouettes against the orange sky. The day had been long and eventful, and I was eager to return to my apartment and process everything that had happened.

As I descended into the subway, my mind replayed the day's events. Getting singled out by Duchess Escathos… the confrontation with Caroline, the whispers and stares from the other students, and spending all day with Dior. It all felt surreal, like a dream I was just waking up from. It had all left me feeling jittery and vulnerable.

I meandered around the platform for a few minutes, pacing around as I saw the lesser 'gentry' walking around the station. The people that didn't have a nice condo or villa set aside for them above. I wasn't the only one commuting, but there was something different about the way they carried themselves. Whatever 'gentry' left that was left on Earth was always easy to spot, and the Terrans weren't too different. They strutted about like they owned the place, and generally had better teeth and skin.

It was hard to pinpoint what made someone gentry or common, but I could tell the difference with a quick glance. It was in their attitude, their posture, the way they held themselves and the confidence they exuded. It was something ingrained, something passed down from generation to generation of being pampered and coddled. I couldn't help but feel out of place, like a misfit amongst a sea of people who were all playing by the same rules. Rules I'd never been taught that they'd taken for granted.

I shook my head, pushing those awful thoughts away. I didn't want to be bitter or judgmental of others based on their social status. I was here to make something of myself, and I couldn't do that if I was constantly lamenting my own 'otherness'.

I shivered, feeling a chilly draft rip through the station as it began to rumble, signifying that a train was approaching.

Suddenly, the frilly, pink Magical Girl from this morning appeared on the screens again with a twirl. She winked at the camera, blowing a kiss that morphed into a red heart at the audience.

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"Hello again, Shoreline City!" she chirped, her voice as bright and cheerful as ever. "What a day it's been, huh? But remember, no matter how tough things get, always keep your head up and your heart strong! Friends are the family we choose, and they're always there for us, no matter what. So take a moment to appreciate them, okay? You never know when they'll make your day a whole lot better!"

Her words struck a chord with me, especially after everything that had happened today. I found myself smiling despite the exhaustion and the whirlwind of emotions.

She was right. Friends really did make a world of difference. It was weird how quiet and stoic Dior had been earlier this morning, but when push came to shove, she'd shown her true colors as an amazing friend. And that was worth more than any fancy apartment or expensive possessions, that was for sure.

Dior had stepped up when no one else had dared to confront Caroline, and that meant the world to me. It made me realize just how much a single person could impact your life.

With that thought in mind, I boarded the subway train, finding an empty seat among the crowd of commuters. I gazed out at the passing scenery without really seeing it.

The Magical Girl's words echoed in my head, my thoughts and feelings swirling like a maelstrom.

I thought about my father, my sister, and the life I had left behind on Earth. I wondered how Izumi was doing — she was always the type to act out, but she was twelve now, and I couldn't be the overprotective big brother forever.

I missed them both. I already missed the warmth of our old home, even with its creaky floors and leaky faucets. But this was for them, this chance at making it. A shot at a better future for us.

The train began to clack rhythmically against the tracks, and my mind drifted to the literal whirlwind of events today. I couldn't help but be paranoid that the Duchess had designs for me. Possibly all the students in that room. There was something about her that just gave off an air of omniscience and power. I'd have thought that a couple of snot-nosed brats like us would be beneath her notice, but it seemed like she had information about almost any kid who was remotely notable in that room.

Then, there was the raven-haired beauty named Caroline. The image of Caroline, her magic swirling around her in a tempest of fury, was etched firmly into my memory. The raw emotion in her voice when she shouted at us, the pain and anger that seemed to fuel her every word, was terrifying. I genuinely surprised myself when I stood my ground against her.

Then there was Dior. Mysterious, aloof Dior, who had stood by my side through it all. There was a depth to her that I couldn't quite grasp, a story hidden behind those suspicious green eyes. I found myself wanting to know more about her.

The guarded way she spoke about herself in the third person, the way she stood by me against Caroline — it all painted a picture of someone who'd seen too much, too soon. I wondered what her story was and the paths she had taken to lead her here. How we'd wound up in the same place at the same time.

But one thing was clear — she was strong, stronger than most people I'd met.

I watched the city lights flicker by, the train humming beneath me, carrying me back towards my new home. The train slowed as it approached Greenhaven station, and I stood up, stretching my tired muscles.

Stepping out onto the platform, I took a deep breath of the crisp night air. A fog had begun to settle over the city, casting a soft, eerie glow on the streets of Greenhaven. It was a fitting end to a day that felt like a scene from a movie - full of drama, confrontation, and unexpected friendships.

I frowned, taking in the empty streets. It was only a bit past 5 P.M., and the streets were eerily quiet, almost deserted. I wasn't a longtime resident or anything, but it felt unusual for Greenhaven to be this empty at this time of the evening. The fog added to the sense of isolation, muffling the usual sounds of the city. I felt a shiver run down my spine from the cold, and a sense of unease crept up on me.

Pulling my jacket tighter around me, I started walking towards my apartment, my footsteps echoing on the pavement. The fog thickened with each step, swirling around me like a living thing. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched.

"Rai-chan, you seeing this?" I thought, activating my HUD to scan the area. "Something feels off."

"Yes, Ikki," Rai-chan's voice sounded as calm as ever. "Environmental analysis indicates an unusually dense fog for this time of year. No threats detected."

I quickened my pace, eyes scanning the shadowy outlines of buildings and alleys. The fog played tricks on my vision, making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead. Every little noise seemed amplified in the foggy silence, and I found myself jumping at every creak or rustle. I cursed myself for not taking the subway all the way home. Maybe it was my overactive imagination, but every step seemed to bring me closer to the edge.

I turned the corner onto my street, and to my relief, I could see the glow of my apartment's lights in the distance. As I neared my apartment, the fog began to lift slightly, allowing me to see more of my surroundings. The quiet was still oppressive, but at least I could see now. I reached my building and quickly entered, the increasingly familiar smell of old wood and musty carpet greeting me. I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

Once inside my apartment, I locked the door behind me and leaned against it, closing my eyes for a moment. I took a deep breath, letting my heart rate calm down for a moment.

I opened my eyes and looked around my modest apartment. It wasn't much, but it was mine. A small kitchenette, a worn-out sofa, a table with a small television littered with my various books gifted to me by family friends over the years, notes, and a single window that overlooked the city.

I pulled out my phone and opened the bank app to check my balance. The reality of my financial situation hit me again. I needed to make every credit count to survive here on Terra. I couldn't afford to be reckless or wasteful.

I tossed my phone onto the sofa and made my way to the kitchenette. I was starving and still had two extra sandwiches from last night.

"Eat to live, not live to eat..." I muttered to myself, opening the fridge and unwrapping a sandwich.

It wasn't much, but it was food... and like the apartment, it was mine. I heated it up quietly before turning to a particularly important box I'd left out for tonight.

Our painfully inflated dollar-based life savings more or less amounted to two cores from Viscount-class Chaos Beasts.

The cores sat there, gleaming faintly in an open box in the dim light of my apartment. They were about the size of a large apple, each with a swirling, misty center that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The outer shell was a mixture of iridescent hues, shimmering with an otherworldly glow.

These were Chaos Cores, remnants of the Chaos Beasts that had once invaded Earth in overwhelming numbers before the Terrans came through the portals to help.

I picked one up, feeling its smooth surface and the faint vibration of power within. These cores were more than just beautiful oddities; they were potent sources of mana, the lifeblood of magic in Terra. Scavenged from the fallen bodies of Chaos Beasts, they were highly sought after for their raw magical energy.

Chaos Beasts varied in rank, from the common 'Knave' class to the terrifying and city-threatening 'Duke' class. The ones I held were from 'Viscount' class beasts - formidable but not the most dangerous. A class of monsters that shows up to lead packs during a Magnitude 3 or 4 Chaos Event. They were threatening enough to wipe out large towns with their monster packs, but still vulnerable to conventional firepower. They'd require even more ordinance to put down than even a Baron like the Alpha Beowulf that'd attacked us a few years ago, but they could still be taken down.

Still, the cores were valuable, and each was worth its weight in gold and then some. The two cores I had in front of me amounted to all the resources my family could spare to send me out here. I'd have work soon, but I knew I had to sell them soon. The funds Elio had set me up with wouldn't last long, and living in this city wasn't cheap.

Rai-chan's familiar voice rang in my head, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Perhaps it might be a good idea to get those traded in soon, Ikki."

"Yeah, I had the same thought," I replied. "Do you know what time the Mana Exchange downtown closes? I need to trade these Chaos Cores in for credits soon."

"The Mana Exchange at the Aetherium Market closes at 8 PM. It's currently 5:33 PM. You have sufficient time to reach it and exchange your cores if you leave shortly."

"Thanks, girl," I replied, feeling a mix of relief and urgency. The Aetherium Market was the go-to place for all things magical and arcane in Shoreline City.

It was where mana artifacts, spell components, and, of course, Chaos Cores were traded. I'd heard stories about it from Jae and Dr. Hinokawa, but this would be my first visit.

I quickly finished my sandwich, my mind racing about how much the cores would fetch and how to budget the credits.

With a frustrated sigh, I grabbed my backpack and stashed the Chaos Cores safely inside, wrapped in a cloth. These cores were more than just valuable items; they represented my hard-earned efforts, the dangers I had faced, and my family's hopes and dreams. I knew I'd be getting screwed on the exchange rates, but it was a fact I had to face.

Shaking off the feeling, I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door. The streets of Greenhaven were still foggy and eerily empty, and the fog seemed to wrap around the buildings like a ghostly blanket. It almost seemed to muffle the sounds of the city and cast strange, shifting shadows on the pavement. Every step I took felt heavier, like pushing through an invisible barrier.

I shivered, pulling my jacket tighter around me. The foggy streets of Greenhaven felt like they were straight out of a noir film, mysterious and slightly ominous. I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder every few steps, half-expecting to see a shadowy figure following me.

"Rai-Chan, you're sure this is a completely normal fog, right?"

"Yes, Ikki," Rai-chan's voice echoed in my mind. "Atmospheric analysis confirms it's a typical fog for this region. However, rest assured that I will remain vigilant for any anomalies or threats."

Reassured but still uneasy, I continued down the fog-enshrouded streets, the cool mist clinging to my skin. The silence was unsettling.

Streetlights flickered dimly through the mist, casting long, ghostly shadows across the empty streets. In the back of my mind, a nagging thought kept surfacing — what if something was out there, hidden in the fog? I tried to shake off the feeling, telling myself it was just the eeriness of the fog playing tricks on my mind.

I reached the subway station, and the descent into the underground offered me a brief respite from the misty world above. The station's fluorescent lights starkly contrasted with the dim, foggy streets, and the bustle of people around me on an active train was a welcome return to normalcy.

As the train arrived, I boarded and found a seat by the window, watching as the station blurred past, and I returned the way I came. I yawned and stretched, letting my thoughts wander as the train sped along its track. Soon, it passed under St. Antonia Island and headed into downtown Shoreline City.

I frowned, taking out my phone as I checked the time. It was just a few minutes past 6 PM, and I briefly wondered if Dior was free yet. I hesitated, then sent her a quick text:

"Hey Dior, just checking in. Hope your program orientation is going well. I'm heading to the Aetherium Market to exchange some Chaos Cores. Let me know when you're done. Maybe we can grab a late dinner or something."

Tucking my phone away, I leaned back in my seat, watching as the subway ascended above ground and began approaching the heart of Shoreline City.

There was something about this fog that made me feel like the protagonist in one of those old detective movies, where every shadow held a secret and danger lurked just out of sight. It was almost laughable how on-edge I felt.

Still...

The hairs on the back of my neck prickled with an inexplicable sense of being watched. The feeling was so intense, it almost made my skin crawl. I couldn't help but look around the subway car, but I saw nothing out of the ordinary.

I tried to relax, reminding myself that this was just a quick trip downtown. But that feeling of being followed, of something lurking just out of sight, wouldn't go away. I glanced at the other passengers on the train. They all seemed lost in their own thoughts or immersed in their screens, and I seemed to be alone with my growing sense anxiety.

It was probably nothing...

I hoped.