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

There's a certain stillness that comes with revelations, like the world pauses just long enough for you to catch up. The world hasn't actually stopped moving, of course, but it keeps chugging along.

Even though I was physically present in my Physics class, my mind just refused to focus on the material being taught. I couldn't stop thinking about Midori's story and the concept of Promethean Nodes and Magitech Soldiers.

When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of class, I wandered through the quiet halls of St. Antonia's Academy toward my destination. It was already well past 4:30 in the afternoon, and the fading sunlight cast long shadows on the floor through the tall windows. In that moment, I felt like I was in a completely different world compared to the rundown high school I attended back on Earth.

The academic day at St. Antonia's wasn't rigidly structured; some students finished at three o'clock while others stayed until six, especially those in specialized programs. The schedule was designed to accommodate the diverse needs and lifestyles of a privileged student body. Some would be funneled as interns directly into the prestigious defense industry, while others would take over their family's responsibilities directly out of school. Terra's 'university' system was more like a doctoral program of old back on Earth - where students drilled deep into their chosen fields of study, conducting research and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

The lack of proper dormitories on this island for unproven students was still a thorn in my side, but at least the commute back to Greenhaven was pretty smooth. On the other hand, the campus was something out of a high-tech fairytale. St. Antonia's Academy was where the future seemed to have already arrived, blending seamlessly with the traditions and aesthetic of a bygone era.

As I walked through the campus, I couldn't help but admire the gothic architecture and plasma screens promoting the recreational zone. I remembered hearing about a week-long club fair that was starting today, a perfect opportunity for new students like me to explore different interests. However, my scholarship had already placed me in the magitech research institute with the robotics team, so I hadn't even considered other clubs until now and brushed it to the back of my mind.

Midori had been pretty insistent that I check out the combat fencing club this week, so I decided to stop by before getting overwhelmed with schoolwork.

I came upon a small, trickling stream that fed into a serene pond nestled in the heart of the campus. The sound of the water dancing over rocks and the sight of colorful koi swimming gracefully captivated my attention. It was a brief moment of tranquility amidst the bustling atmosphere of the academy.

A series of tables on opposite sides across the stream stream was alive with the buzz of students congregating around signs and bulletin boards, advertising a dizzying array of clubs. The major clubs at these wealthy hubs were something else entirely - they had facilities that would make research universities on Earth green with envy.

As someone who came from a parallel world, I couldn't wrap my head around dedicating all these resources to teenagers who were still figuring out who they were and what they wanted to do with their lives. But then again, this was Terra, a world that operated on a different set of rules. It was clear that the students at St. Antonia's took their extracurricular activities seriously.

The Robotics Team, which I was supposed to join as a scholarship member, had a dedicated building that looked more like a three-story high-tech corporate headquarters than a school club facility. It was a gleaming structure of glass and steel, bristling with antennas and satellite dishes, rumored to have a basement full of cutting-edge tech that could give some minor nations a run for their money.

But it was the Occult Club that really caught my eye. They had a whole observatory to themselves, complete with a high-resolution telescope that looked more like something NASA would use rather than a high school club. It was perched on the highest point of the campus on a hill at the center of the recreational zone, its dome gleaming in the afternoon sun like a beacon of discovery.

Of course, these were outliers - most of the sports teams and athletic clubs had to share one big athletic building, but even that building was a marvel — with sprawling fields, a modest pool, and various indoor courts. The funding disparity was a bit drastic, but I guess that's how things worked when you had a club that catered to established families working with magic, and what amounted to hands-on competitive internships with Terran defense companies.

I stopped near the Schindler student lounge, leaning against a railing as I watched students buzz around. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation, a tangible buzz that seemed to reverberate through the entire campus. It was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity about what the dozens of clubs here were up to.

The energy was electric; groups of students huddled around bulletin boards, each pitching their club with an almost palpable fervor. There was the usual array - sports teams, academic societies, arts clubs. The students had given me the impression of being… snooty, but here, we were all just students - bound by a shared enthusiasm for our extracurriculars. I couldn't help but smile as I watched the animated conversations and the genuine excitement on their faces.

I stood there at the edge of the stream, basking in the tranquility of the scene at the end of my first day. I took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp air and exhaling all the worries that had weighed me down through my first day.

The sound of laughter and chatter filled my ears, blending harmoniously with the gentle murmur of the stream. It was a moment of respite, a fleeting pause in the whirlwind of new experiences.

Then, I smiled as I spotted a large, shapely-looking rock with a flat top. It was perfect for a quick break - and to take out my sketchpad. Making these little sketches had always been my solace, a way to capture the world as I saw it, unfiltered and raw. I settled onto the rock, the coolness of its surface seeping through my school uniform, and opened my sketchpad to a blank page.

As I looked around, my eyes caught the play of shadows and light on the buildings, the lively expressions of students around the bulletin boards, and the way the late afternoon sun glinted off the observatory's dome. The scene before me was alive, each element telling its own story, and I wanted to capture it all. My pencil danced across the paper, tracing lines and curves, shadows and highlights.

I lost myself in the rhythm of sketching, the world around me fading into a blur of focused concentration. Sketching always brought me a sense of peace. It was a way to make sense of the world, to capture moments that would otherwise slip away unnoticed. Each stroke of my pencil felt like a conversation with the scene before me, an attempt to understand and interpret the moment's essence. I was no artist, but my sketches reflected how I saw the world.

There was something calming about the way my pencil traced across the paper, leaving behind shades of slate that slowly formed into recognizable shapes and forms. My hand moved instinctively, driven by a desire to translate what I saw into something tangible, something that could be held and remembered. This sketch wouldn't win any awards, but that wasn't the point. It was about capturing a feeling, a moment in time that I could look back on and remember the start of my journey here on this island.

Lost in my thoughts and the gentle rhythm of my pencil, I didn't hear her approach. It wasn't until a high-pitched, airy voice filled with excitement broke through my concentration that I realized I wasn't alone.

"Heyayyyyy! Waaaaaaaatcha drawin' there?"

I jolted in surprise, my pencil skidding across the page and leaving a dark streak across my careful sketch. I turned, slightly annoyed at being interrupted, only to find myself staring at a girl standing behind me who seemed to embody the word 'artsy.'

She was blonde, but not the typical shade you'd find on Earth. Her hair was like spun gold, shining even in the fading light of the day. Her eyes were a captivating shade of bright honeyed yellow, too. Not a natural shade from what I was used to, but on Terra, 'natural' had a different meaning.

The girl's hair was braided in an intricate crown wrapped around her head, ending in a braid falling to her waist. Her makeup was bold-goth, with purple lipstick and eyeshadow that somehow suited her perfectly. I noticed a small purple earring dangling from her right ear, with a delicate blue cloud swaying gently with her movements.

The girl wore the standard school uniform but with a twist that made it uniquely hers. Her skirt was a bit shorter, her blouse a bit tighter, and she added accessories that screamed individuality - a choker with a small, ornate amethyst at the center and several bracelets jangling her wrist.

She leaned in close, crouching and peering at my sketchpad with unabashed curiosity. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and despite my initial irritation, I found myself smiling at her just from her energy and how she carried herself.

"Oh, just sketching the scene," I responded, turning the sketchpad so she could see it better.

The girl's eyes widened as she hopped over saw my amateurish lines and shapes. "This is really good! You've got a great sense of perspective and shading. Are you here to join the art club?" she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush.

I shook my head, feeling a bit embarrassed under her scrutiny. "No, I'm not. Erm... I'm here because a friend invited me to check out the combat fencing team. I just wanted to take a moment to gather myself and shake out some nerves before heading over."

Her gaze lingered on my sketchpad, analyzing every stroke and line with a discerning eye. "Wow! You've got a rather practical approach to your sketches," she observed, tilting her head as she studied the lines and shadows. "It's like you're trying to capture the world just as it is. Like... you're not just drawing what you see, you're drawing what it feels like to be here, but devoid of any unnecessary embellishments."

I blinked, surprised by her insight. "That's... actually a pretty accurate description now that I think about it," I replied, feeling awkward. "I never really thought about what I do that way. I mean, I learned to sketch while I was studying technical drafting. It started as a way to visualize projects I was working on, and I just didn't stop. I find it soothing."

Her eyes lit up with curiosity. "Now it makes sense! Your technique does have a certain architectural feel to it. You pay close attention to the structure, but the way you add shadow and light creates a sense of depth that is truly one-of-a-kind. You have a knack for highlighting the environment and how individuals fit into it like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle," she continued thoughtfully. "It's really cool!"

"Thank you?" I said, feeling a small flush of embarrassment. "I've always found comfort in the precision and clarity of lines. They're predictable, unlike a ton of things in life."

The girl nodded, her expression turning contemplative. "There's a certain safety in predictability, isn't there? But sometimes, the unexpected can be just as beautiful, if not more so. I've always found beauty in the hurricane we call life. To create harmony from discord, to find meaning in chaos. That's what art is about, isn't it? Expressing the indescribable, capturing the intangible. That's what I love about it."

I glanced at my sketch, then back at her. "That's an interesting way to look at it. I've always seen my sketches as a way of grounding myself. To find a sense of stability, you know? But you're right, there's a real beauty in capturing the intangible. I don't really consider myself an artist, though."

The girl smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Art is what you make of it, my friend. Whether you're a trained professional or someone sketching to clear your head, it's all valid and important."

I returned her smile, feeling a surge of warmth. I had only met her a moment ago, but it was as if I'd known her forever. There was an ease between us that felt genuine, and I couldn't help but be drawn into her energy and passion.

I chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease. "I guess you're right. Anyway, um... Are you also a first year student? What's your name?"

She closed her eyes and softly shook her head with a gentle smile, touching her choker. "Nope, I'm a second year. And I'm actually one of the representatives for the art club out here."

The girl cleared her throat with a cough before spreading her arms and twirling in a circle, balancing on one foot atop the rock.

"And as for my name..."

She paused dramatically, a playful smile on her lips as she opened her eyes.

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"I am Serena Morada Clara Esperança Pereira Morales — painter extraordinaire!" she announced, her voice lilting with each syllable as she rattled off an unusually long name.

My eyes widened in surprise, and I couldn't help but stare. "Umm. Wait. Sorry. Could you repeat that? Serena... was it?" I asked, still processing the string of names she'd just rattled off.

She giggled, clearly enjoying my reaction. "I'm just messing with you. Let's just say my mom was just a bit excessive with my government name. I usually go by Morada. Morada Morales, even. I love me some alliterations."

"Morada, huh?" I repeated. "It's an unusual name, but it suits you perfectly. Name's Ikazuchi, but uh, my friends all call me Ikki. So I guess you can call me that?"

Morada grinned, her eyes lighting up with a spark of energy. "Well, Ikki, it's a pleasure to meet you!" she exclaimed, extending her hand for a handshake. I reached out and shook her hand, feeling a sudden wave of warmth and her enthusiasm flow through me.

The strange, eccentric perched beside me on the rock in a crouch, her gaze drifting to the receding sun. "So, Ikki, what brings you all the way to St. Antonia's? You've got the air of someone who's seen much more than these stuffy school corridors and moldy old textbooks."

I hesitated momentarily, feeling my past experiences hang heavily in my mind. "I guess you could say that? I moved out here from Earth two weeks ago just for school. I'm actually here on a scholarship - but even that doesn't cover everything I need. My family... well, they took a chance to save money and send me out here, so there's a lot to take in but I'm managing."

"Ohhh, so you're the kid from Earth people have been making a hubbub about! Your story must be fascinating! The people I've met from Earth always have the most intriguing backgrounds," Morada mused, her expression filled with genuine interest.

I shrugged, feeling a little self-conscious under her enthusiastic gaze. "It's not that special, really. Just a regular guy trying to make the most out of this. Hell, I can barely make ends meet right now. I know there are work-study programs and internships available for scholarship students, but I haven't really looked into them yet. I don't know how busy I'm going to be until I get that figured out."

Morada's eyes softened with empathy, her playful demeanor momentarily subdued. "I get that," she said, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "My family isn't exactly rolling in credits either. We're fairly well-off, but I'm definitely out of my league here. I'm here on scholarship too. I guess my paintings caught a patron's eye at some point."

I blinked in surprise, "You're here because of your paintings huh? Sheesh, now you're making me feel self-conscious about these chicken scratches."

She laughed, coming out as a bright, melodic chirp. "Don't be! This stuff isn't a competition. Everyone's got their own style, their own story to tell through their work. That's what makes it so beautiful. The variety, the diversity of souls. Our work is like a mirror reflecting the mysteries of life."

"Yeah, yeah, I guess you're right," I admitted, feeling a sense of kinship with Morada. "I'd love to see your paintings sometime, though."

Her eyes brightened at the offer. "I'd love to show them to you! Speaking of which, you should totally just like, sign up for the art club. We could use more people like you."

I hesitated, considering her offer. "I'll think about it, but like I said, I've got a lot on my plate right now with… well, just trying to keep up with everything."

Suddenly, she reached over and grabbed my pencil hand in both of hers, her eyes sparkling pleadingly. "Aww, pretty please? You don't have to commit or anything. Like, could we get your contacts just for a mailing signup then? Our annual funding kindasorta depends on the amount of interest we generate."

I felt the warmth of Morada's hands enveloping mine, her eyes shimmering with an earnestness that was hard to resist. How could I say no to that? With a sigh, I relented.

"Alright, alright," I chuckled, unable to resist her enthusiasm. "You've convinced me. I'll give you my contact info for your mailing list. But no promises beyond that, okay?"

Morada's face broke into a wide grin as she released my hand and pulled out a tablet from her bag. Then, I rattled off my contact details to her as she entered them. There was something about her infectious energy and genuine passion made me feel more at ease.

"Great! Now, you mentioned you were headed to the combat fencing club?" Morada asked, her eyebrows raised with curiosity. "Are you interested in joining, or just checking it out?"

"I'm just checking it out. A friend, er, invited me to see what it's all about," I explained, packing away my sketchpad.

"Oh, cool! You know, St. Antonia's girls' varsity team is one of the best in the world. Midori Tanaka really carries it. She's been the international varsity champ for two years running and boy oh boy does she know how to handle a sword! She's practically untouchable in her matches," she gushed, her voice tinged with pride and awe.

"Midori?" I perked up at the mention of her name. "Yeah, I know her. She's the one who invited me. She seems super into it."

Morada's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, you have no idea! Midori's fighting style is incredible. Her kenjutsu is like watching poetry in motion. While external magic is not allowed in competitions, Midori incorporates some really neat mana bursts into her general technique. But it's her innate skill and finesse that truly make her stand out. She's a natural - like was born to wield a sword!"

The way she spoke about Midori's skill and artistry painted a vivid picture in my mind. It was as if I could already see her graceful movements, the power in each strike, and the fire in her eyes.

If she could do everything she did with a stolen combat knife in a chaotic brawl, I couldn't imagine how amazing it would be to watch her compete. It came as no surprise to me that she was a star varsity athlete, and it was relieving to have an explanation for those superhuman abilities I had witnessed. The thought of seeing her in action again, this time in a controlled setting, excited me.

"Well, she's been really cool. I'm curious to see what she can do with a sword," I remarked, my curiosity growing.

Morada's eyes twinkled as she added, "Yeah, she's the real deal. She's the star of the team and she deserves every ounce of recognition. Anyway! The club is hosting an exhibition soon and I heard Midori will be a part of it. You should definitely come and watch her in action! It's an experience you won't want to miss."

I nodded, my interest piqued. "That's... actually really cool. I've never seen anything like Terran fencing before, but it sounds amazing."

"Yeah, it is!" Morada's excitement was palpable. "The matches are intense. There's a lot of strategy involved, too. You have to be quick, both physically and mentally since it borrows from traditional eastern and western dueling rules. Wanna come watch with me?"

I paused for a moment, considering Morada's offer. I had a strong feeling that Midori had wanted me to come out to see this in the first place, and now, with Morada's invitation, it felt like the universe was nudging me in that direction.

"Sure, why not?" I said, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I'd love to see what all the hype is about."

Morada beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Great! Trust me, you won't be disappointed. The exhibition matches with Midori always draw a big crowd."

Just as I was about to respond again, the sound of a large garage door opening caught our attention. We both turned to see a group of students and faculty members gathering around a large, open space that had been cleared and a large metal platform of some sort being wheeled out of the athletics building.

The arena was an open, padded platform on a stage hovering above the ground, supported by hydraulics. There were foam cushions underneath the mobile, likely for safety reasons. However, I noticed the lack of railings and turned to Morada inquisitively. She met my confused gaze immediately with a wide grin.

"That looks… hazardous," I muttered.

"It's a modernized version of a lei tai, a traditional martial arts dueling platform. The lack of safety railings is intentional, of course. Combatants have to be mindful of their footing and balance while engaging with their opponent. Falling off the platform to the cushions below results in an automatic loss. A total wipeout!" Morada explained, her eyes not leaving the scene before us.

The platform was square, about thirty feet on each side, with a smooth, padded blue surface that seemed to absorb the light, giving it a slightly ominous appearance. Around it, a crowd of students gathered, buzzing with anticipation. The air was thick with excitement, and I could feel the energy pulsating through the crowd.

Morada and I made our way closer to the arena, where a growing crowd of students had already gathered. There was an electric buzz in the air - a sheer sense of excitement as everyone waited for the exhibition to begin.

"Looks like they're about to start," Morada whispered, her eyes fixed on the platform.

The audience fell silent as two figures stepped onto the platform, their shadows cast against the setting sun. One was immediately recognizable as Midori, her confident posture and neatly tied ponytail exuding a sense of poise. She wore sleek combat armor made of carbon that hugged her athletic figure, with a blunted katana with sensors in hand reflecting the dwindling light.

Her opponent was a tall, Amazonian girl with caramel skin, blue eyes, and long double-braided cinnamon-red ponytails. She held a large single-edged sword made of the same material as Midori's - a beautiful, exotic, straight sword with a gap in the center and a blade that broadened near the hilt. Both fighters were clad in form-fitting carbon armor designed for maximum mobility and protection. The caramel-skinned girl, like Midori, was visibly muscled underneath the armor. However, it seemed like she had a couple of inches in height and reach over Midori.

The two bowed to each other, their movements synchronized and filled with respect. Morada leaned over to me, her voice filled with admiration.

"That's Midori's rival, Ranjika," she whispered. "She's considered one of the best fighters in the academy too. Ranjika isn't part of the actual combat fencing team, despite their attempts to recruit. Her style is completely different from Midori's. More aggressive and unpredictable. It's going to be an epic match."

I blinked in surprise, turning to face Morada. "Wait, if she isn't on the fencing team, how did she end up being Midori's rival?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

Morada chuckled softly. "Well, Ranji is a bit of a legend and mystery for our generation and cohort. She's been challenging and defeating the top fighters across different disciplines, even those on the varsity team, since her first year. It's like she has this innate talent for combat, a raw power that just kinda reminds you there's always someone better. Despite not officially being part of the team, she's always been one of the strongest fighters here. The fencing team was disappointed when she didn't join because they would've had three aces instead of two."

"She sounds pretty scary," I whispered, my eyes fixed on Ranjika's formidable presence. "Girl's got an intense aura too."

Morada nodded, her gaze never leaving the two fighters. "She definitely has a reputation for being fierce and relentless, and kinda good at everything. But she's actually a sweetheart. She's really passionate about pushing others to their limits and helping them grow. That's why she's always challenging different prospective fighters and mages at their own games and kinda... teaching them humility sometimes. She wants to test herself and help others improve too."

As Morada spoke, the crowd's anticipation reached a fever pitch. The atmosphere crackled with excitement, the air heavy with the energy of two extraordinary fighters about to clash. Midori and Ranjika faced each other, their eyes locked in an intense gaze. It was as if time itself stood still, awaiting the inevitable clash.

I watched in awe as Midori and Ranji settled into open stances, their eyes locked on each other. The tension in the air was thick as the crowd grew quiet, awaiting the start of the exhibition match.

The referee, a short, stern-looking portly lady with curly, neck-length strawberry blonde hair and a whistle crossed her arms with a microphone in hand. The two rivals fastened their grips on their sheathes and settled into opening stances. Then referee's voice boomed across the arena through a set of speakers facing out from the edge of the cushions.

"Combatants, prepare yourselves!"

I squinted as I observed both fighters, analyzing their postures and movements. Ranjika was wielding the heavy-looking sword had a firm and stable stance, while Midori's posture was more fluid and upright.

However, Ranjika's steps were graceful and purposeful, with hints of a dancer's training. It was clear she was skilled.

Midori and Ranjika both tightened their grips, their eyes shining with determination. It was as if the whole world had faded away, leaving only the two of them on that platform. I could practically feel the intensity radiating from them.

"Begin!" the referee shouted through a microphone.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Midori and Ranji unsheathed their weapons. Instead of charging each other, however, they both stepped back, rotating laterally with caution. Confusion seeped into the crowd as they anticipated an explosive clash. But the two simply began to circle each other, their movements measured and deliberate.

My brain spun into motion, analyzing the strategies at play. It was clear that both fighters were testing each other, probing for weaknesses and trying to gauge for reactions. The crowd held their breath, captivated by the dance of anticipation unfolding before them.

"I see..." I muttered.

"What's up?" Morada asked, turning to me with a curious expression.

"I think they're testing each other's range and reactions," I replied, my eyes fixed on the intense duel unfolding before us. "How long has it been since they've fought each other?"

Morada thought momentarily before responding, her eyes still glued to the spectacle before us. "Hmm, I think it's been nearly two years since their last match? They had a close duel back then, but it was a no-contest. Ranji ended up joining the archery team instead of pursuing combat fencing. But now they're facing off again, and I can already see the sparks flying."

The two combatants circled each other warily, sizing each other up and searching for an opening. The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd watched with bated breath. Midori moved with a mesmerizing precision, her blade glinting in the dimming light.

Her opponent remained composed, matching her fluidity with her own controlled movements as she inhaled and exhaled gently, turning her body at tight, 30-degree angles to match Midori's movements.

"I'm surprised you picked that up," Morada commented. "I didn't take you for a sports fan, but then again, you're full of surprises."

I laughed, my attention still focused on the intense showdown. "I'm not a sports fan per se, but I'm weirdly good at picking up on motion and subtle physical mechanics. My dad was also a hobbyist kickboxer and taught me some basics," I admitted, my voice barely audible above the increasing hum of the crowd.

The two combatants circled each other warily, sizing each other up and searching for an opening. The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd watched with bated breath. Midori moved with a mesmerizing care, her blade glinting in the dimming light.

Her opponent remained composed, matching her fluidity with her own controlled movements as she inhaled and exhaled gently, turning her body at tight, 30-degree angles to match Midori's movements.

"Rai-chan," I said to my companion. "Activate the HUD and perform an Analysis. What info can you pick up from a scan?"

"You've got it!" Rai-chan acknowledged with a cheerful chirp, projecting a holographic display in front of me.

As I observed Midori and Ranjika circling each other, the display highlighted key data for me to see. Bubbles appeared above Ranjika's legs, indicating exceptional development in her fast twitch muscle fibers. Meanwhile, Midori's scan displayed a focus on agility and balance, with bubbles clustered around her core and upper back. She gracefully sidestepped, almost gliding across the platform as she positioned herself in a thrusting stance with her katana.

Ranjika mirrored her movements, opening her stance slightly and shifting her weight to the balls of her feet. It was almost like an invitation for Midori to make the first move. The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd held their breath, waiting for the clash between these two veteran fighters.

A gust of wind swept through the arena, tousling my hair and causing a shiver to run down my spine. Everything seemed to slow down as I watched Midori and Ranjika lock eyes.

Then, with a resounding thunderclap, they exploded forward and clashed.