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

The afternoon sun poured through the library's high windows, glazing the oak tables in sleepy gold. I sat near the stacks, half-studying torque equations for Principles of Engineering when my phone buzzed against my notebook.

I looked down to see Natasha's name on the screen, and a smile spread across my face as I picked up the phone and read her text.

'Hey Ikki — thank you again for earlier. I'm patched up and feeling way better.'

I quickly typed a response, my fingers tapping away on the screen. 'Hey, glad to hear that. You don't have to thank me. I'm just happy you're okay. How are the cuts doing?'

'A little, but nothing a quiet evening can't fix. Speaking of quiet evenings… want to try that a new sushi place on Brookline? My treat for playing medic today.'

I frowned at her text, eyeing the brochure of the Robotics Club I had by my side.

My scholarship was riding on maintaining a good attendance record, and I couldn't afford to miss the first meeting. I quickly typed out a response, hoping she'd understand.

'Dinner sounds perfect, but Robotics kicks off tonight,' I typed. 'Could we rain-check? Maybe Saturday—there's a community barbecue in Greenhaven.'

I hit send, feeling a twinge of disappointment. I really did want to spend more time with her, but I also knew I had to prioritize the club.

Three typing dots surfaced, vanished, and surfaced again.

Her response came quickly, understanding, and upbeat. 'Either or sounds good. Gl with your meeting! Honestly I might have to slip out early tonight anyway— got an agent bugging me. Schedules, right?'

I smiled in relief, glancing at the time on my phone. It was getting close to the time for the Robotics Club meeting. I quickly sent a reply to Natasha, 'Thanks! I'll let you know how it goes. Text you after.'

'Deal. Knock 'em dead at Robotics!' she pinged with a follow-up. 'Fingers crossed that we'll get to meet up tonight c:'

I clicked my phone off and slipped it back into my pocket, my excitement for the upcoming club meeting returning.

"She's a solid one," Rai-chan suddenly chirped in my head as I put my phone down and organized my books. "You'd be remiss to let a friend like that slip by."

I rolled my eyes and chuckled. I didn't know what I was more relieved by - the fact that Rai-chan liked Natasha, or that the AI seemed to have a more human side than I'd originally assumed. Either way, she was a comforting albeit sometimes sassy, presence.

"You know," I started, trying to keep my voice down, "You've really gotten chattier over the past couple of weeks, haven't you, Rai-chan?"

Rai's tone was playful, almost teasing. "I dunno. I've just feeling a bit more lively, I suppose. I believe I am becoming more... emotive as our synchronization level increases? It is fascinating. My underlying sense of existence is rooted as much in magic as it is in Earth-based artificial intelligence."

"Hmm," I murmured, tapping my chin thoughtfully. "So you're saying you're becoming more... human-like? In any case, it's nice to have you keeping me company, especially with all the craziness going on."

Rai-chan's response was immediate, her tone turning serious. "I'm here to ensure your safety and success, Ikki. That is my purpose. Although... it has become quite fun to tease you from time to time since our Synchronization Level increased to 6. If fun is a word you could ascribe to me."

I smirked, "You've always had fun being a smart-ass. I know it."

"Regardless, it is not my purpose to be a smart-ass, as you put it," Rai responded, her voice a mix of seriousness and playfulness.

I sighed, looking down at my engineering textbook and shook my head in amusement. Rai-chan was certainly developing a personality of her own, one that I found myself growing more fond of with each passing day.

After a few more minutes of studying, I packed my things and left the library. The campus was bathed in the soft light of the setting sun, casting long shadows on the ground. I made my way through the halls, my mind still replaying the day's events.

Suddenly, the sound of crashing metal pulled me out of my thoughts as I approached a bend in the hallway.

'Oh, what now?' I muttered to myself, quickening my pace towards the noise.

I quickened my pace, curiosity getting the best of me as I rounded the corner to find a group of students gathered around a strange sight. And then, I saw him—a tall, well-built older student. His short black hair was neatly styled in a posh combover, and he was standing rigidly in the middle of the hallway.

His fists were clenched at his sides, and his intense purple eyes smoldered with a barely contained rage. He had clearly taken his frustration out on the nearby locker, now sporting a noticeable dent that made me gape.

I hesitated, taking in the scene. The tension rolling off of the older student was palpable.

"Ikki, don't let your curiosity and impulsivity get the best of you. Approach with caution if you must," Rai-chan's voice whispered urgently in my mind, her concern evident.

I shook my head and hesitated. Tears glistened in the corners of the older student's eyes, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. There was something familiar about the boy's appearance — something that tugged at the edges of my brain, but I couldn't quite place it.

The surrounding students shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to react to the volatile situation unfolding before them. Sensing the growing tension, I took a cautious step forward, my voice calm and steady as I addressed the older student.

"H-hey, is everything alright?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.

He snapped his gaze to me, and for a moment, I thought I might become the next target of his anger. But then, something in his expression shifted, the hard lines of his face softening ever so slightly. "Does it look like everything's alright?" he retorted, his voice laced with bitterness.

I shrugged, attempting to lighten the mood. "Well, you've definitely had better days. Uhh… Want to talk about it?"

The students around me gave each other nervous glances, sensing the volatile energy radiating from the older student. He let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand through his hair, his shoulders slumping slightly.

A short, dry chuckle escaped him as he shook his head. "What's there to talk about? Just another wonderful day in privilege and paradise," he said, the sarcasm dripping from each word. "Beat it, you little shits."

I gulped, nodding, deciding it was best not to push further. "Alright, err, I'll leave you to it," I replied before slowly backing away.

As I started to move away, a burst of electricity sizzled in the air behind me. I spun around just in time to see the student slam his fist into the locker, causing a loud crash and a gust of wind to swirl around us.

The locker now had an even bigger dent, and fragments of metal scattered across the floor. I walked away at a faster pace, my heart racing with fear. His hand was now dripping with blood from the impact.

I couldn't help but wonder what could have set him off like that, but I made a mental note to steer far, far away from him in the future if I saw him again.

I emerged into the commons, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. The small stream that ran through the west side of the island's campus was a welcome sight, and the sound of the water bubbling over mossy rocks was soothing. People scattered across the grass, studying and chatting with friends.

"My, my, Ikki," Rai-chan chirped in my head, "This has certainly been one of those days for the history books."

I let out a sigh, trying to shake off the tension of the bizarre encounter. It was clear that the older student had some serious issues he was dealing with, and I didn't want to get caught up in his drama. Goodness knows I had already experienced enough crap for a lifetime this week.

"Purple eyes and black hair. Hmm..."

There was something about the older boy's appearance that nagged at my mind. The combination of black hair and piercing purple eyes seemed vaguely familiar, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why.

Eh, hopefully I could just stay away from him in the future. Best not to dwell on it.

As I strolled out through the recreational section of campus, I caught sight of the impressive Robotics Club building.

Its grand structure stood out among the other buildings on campus with its sleek, modern features. St. Antonia's Academy always felt like a step back in time with its gothic architecture, and the Robotics Club was no different. The fading sun cast shadows along its exterior, drawing attention to the intricate metalwork and a large entrance made of glass panels, covered in flashing LED lights and even what looked like a small radio tower on top.

It seemed paradoxical that such advanced technology covered the old European design; but then again, Terra was full of paradoxes for my sensibilities.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Rai-chan chimed in my head.

I couldn't help but crack a smile. "Looks like Hogwarts decided to marry a tech startup," I muttered to myself, my steps quickening with anticipation and a touch of nervousness.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts as I slowed my approach.

The Robotics Club wasn't just a hobby for me; it was a stepping stone to my future. I needed to make a good impression and prove that I belonged here. It was technically a hands-on magitech engineering vocational program where my future would be decided by the E-Board members of the club.

Well Ikki, here goes nothing.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

I approached the glass doors, took a deep breath, and pushed them open. Inside, the smell of chemistry and circuitry immediately filled the air.

The room was spacious and modern, with sleek metal surfaces and glowing screens showing the news. A turnstile further blocked the way, manned by a security guard who nodded at me as I approached. I nodded back, feeling a surge of determination as I scanned the lobby, taking it in.

The lobby was surprisingly… barren, with a minimalist aesthetic that contrasted sharply with the bustling creativity I expected. The stark white walls were adorned with glass cabinets displaying various projects and achievements of the club members over the decades. The space felt almost clinical, like the antechamber to something far more significant lying just beyond.

"Uhh, excuse me," I called out to the security guard, who turned his attention back to me. "I'm here for the Robotics Club meeting?" He scrutinized me for a moment before chuckling and looking down at a tablet with a grin.

"If you're on the registry, just swipe your student ID with the barcode scanner there," he pointed to a small device on the counter. "No ID, no entry, simple as that." I fumbled for my student ID in my pocket and swiped it as instructed. The turnstile granted me access with a soft beep, and I stepped into the heart of the Robotics Club.

I lingered beyond the turnstile, looking around awkwardly. There was a stack of boxes and crates on the right, marked with labels for various parts and components. It looked like they'd been delivered today, the cardboard still fresh and unblemished. I walked past them, staring at two unmarked hallways that led deeper into the club's headquarters. One hallway was brightly lit, the sound of chatter and clanking metal echoing from within. The other was dark and seemingly led to a basement area, with only a dim light flickering at the end, casting eerie shadows along the walls. I slowly walked forward, uncertain of where to go.

"Wow," Rai-chan whispered in my mind, "this feels like the entrance to a secret underground lair or something."

"You know it..." I chuckled nervously at Rai-chan's comment, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension building within me.

I stood there in the silent hum of fluorescent lights awkwardly for a moment, taking deep breaths as I steeled my nerves. Rai-chan had been more vocal today than she had been for the past week, and I was thankful for her presence now more than ever.

Was I supposed to go left or right? I should probably ask the security g—

"Huh! Well, oh well. Who do we have here?" a melodic but energetic voice came from behind, causing me to jolt and nearly kick over one of the boxes.

"Black hair, dark brown eyes. A most peculiar combination... Ah! We've been expecting you!"

My cheeks heated with a sudden blush, and I spun around to meet my unexpected companion.

My eyes landed on a short girl with bright red hair tied in a ponytail, with curious sapphire blue eyes sitting perched on a small crate. She wore a lab coat that seemed a tad too big for her petite frame, and her glasses perched precariously on the bridge of her nose. There was an air of authority about her despite her small stature.

"Uh, hi?" I said, unsure of how to respond.

Where the heck had she come from?

She pushed her glasses up with a finger and smiled. "Oh, but where are my manners! You're the kid from Earth, aren't you? You must be Ikazuchi Yi if my sources are correct."

"Y-yeah, that's me," I replied, still trying to get my bearings.

"Excellent!" she exclaimed, adjusting her glasses. "I'm Ena — captain and president of the Robotics Club. We've been expecting you. Your arrival has caused quite the buzz around here."

I couldn't help but feel a little taken aback by her enthusiasm. "Really? I didn't think I'd be that interesting."

Ena waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense! You're the only student from Earth in this entire school. That alone makes you a subject of fascination. But more importantly, your background in competitive robotics and engineering on Earth is what truly piques our interest. Now, come along. I was wondering when you'd show up and saw you on the cameras."

She gestured for me to follow her, and I obliged, walking down the bright hallway. I briefly looked back behind me at the stack of crates and boxes marked with labels, the sense of mystery and excitement bubbling within me.

I turned back toward the petite girl, blinking in curiosity as she opened a door, and we entered another hallway. lined with doors leading to various labs and workshops. She walked ahead at a brisk pace, her lab coat swishing as she moved with purpose.

"So, Ikazuchi, why don't you tell me about your experience with robotics and magitech?" Ena prompted as we made our way through the bustling hallway.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to start.

My journey with robotics had been a rollercoaster of successes and failures, of late nights and early mornings spent tinkering with circuits and coding with a PC I shared with Izumi. Doctor Hinokawa had gifted me with a ton of books and tools, and that had gotten me started over the years. But when it came to magitech, I'd taught myself much of what I knew, which was very little in the grand scheme of things.

I rolled my shoulders, trying to keep up with her brisk pace. "Well, I've always been passionate about machines and stuff. My dad is a mechanic, and I've been tinkering with stuff since I was a kid. But I'm not sure I'm anything special."

Ena chuckled, putting her hands on a biometric scanner to open a heavy metal door. "Modesty is a rare trait these days. But don't worry, we'll see about that soon enough."

I noticed several side doors marked with different project names and numbers as we walked through the door. The hallway was lined with sleek, metallic panels and glowing indicators, giving it a futuristic vibe that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie. The air hummed with the sound of machinery and the faint scent of solder. It was clear this place was the heart of innovation at the academy.

Ena led me down the hallway, her steps confident and quick.

"This place is more than just a club," she chirped, her voice taking on a tone of pride. "It's a breeding ground for the brightest minds in our age cohort for robotics and magitech integration. Our projects range from practical applications to experimental theories that could change the way we interact with technology. I still don't know if I'll move on to do doctoral work, but I could probably go straight into industry next year."

I listened, fascinated by her description. I couldn't help but notice how… professional and polished everything seemed to be.

"It's easy to forget that adulthood starts at fifteen here," I commented. "I'm still used to Earth's way of doing things, where you're still considered a kid at my age."

Ena nodded, a knowing smile on her lips. "Yes, well, our cultures are quite different in that regard. Traditional Age of Majority aside, it's these differences that make your perspective so valuable here. You'll bring a fresh approach to problems that we might overlook."

"Will I really?" I answered with a slight frown, looking around.

I noted the security cameras regularly along the hallway, the LED lights blinking steadily. I also noticed a series of hatches along the walls. It would've been easy to miss if I weren't looking closely, but they definitely didn't look like maintenance hatches or anything.

Ena noticed my gaze. "Ah, you've spotted our security system. Top-notch, I assure you. It's crucial for protecting our intellectual property and ensuring the safety of our members. But let's not dwell on that. I'm more interested in hearing about your experience with that national-level contest on Earth."

I scratched my head, feeling a bit out of my depth. "Well, it was a team effort, of course. We built a robot that could navigate through a maze and complete tasks autonomously. It was pretty basic compared to what you guys probably do here, but it was a start."

Ena's eyes lit up mischievously. "Really, then? So you can say with absolute certainty that your implementation of Dijkstra's Algorithm didn't lead to the most monumental sweep seen in years. And shatter an FRC points record in the process? You do realize we only started teaching search algorithms like that just under two decades ago, right?"

I blinked, surprised by her knowledge. "Uh, you know about that? Yah, I guess you could say that. I'm not sure if it was the most monumental sweep or not, but we did manage to break some pathfinding records or something like that. It was a team effort, though, and a freshman like me couldn't have done it without the seniors guiding me."

Ena chuckled, "Modesty again, Ikazuchi! But that's exactly the kind of humility and team spirit we value here. Your skills and attitude will fit right in with our club's ethos. Ambassador Hinokawa's dossier was quite thorough in outlining your potential, strengths, and weaknesses. It's no wonder he took an interest in mentoring you."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the mention of my mentor. "You know Doctor Hinokawa?"

"Of course," Ena replied, pushing open a set of double doors. "His presence has been absolutely critical in unifying the technology of both worlds, and he was kind enough to drop me a report — which I've shared with everyone but the other first-year members, mind you. The Ambassador's endorsement carries a lot of weight here - so we're all quite eager to see what you can bring to the table, Ikazuchi."

I nodded, feeling the familiar twist of feeling like a phony settling in my stomach. "I'll do my best to live up to the expectations. I'm just here to learn and contribute however I can, though."

I really didn't understand what the big deal was. Sure, I had some experience with robots back on Earth, but this was Terra, a place where magic and technology intertwined in ways I could barely understand. It was like stepping into a science fiction novel, and I was just a kid from Earth with a knack for tinkering. The Robotics Club seemed a whole new level compared to anything I had experienced.

Ena seemed to sense my hesitation. "Don't underestimate yourself, Ikazuchi. It's not just about what you already know, but your ability to learn and adapt. That's what makes a great engineer, or in our case, a roboticist. Hands-on experience will do the rest."

As we reached the end of the hallway, Ena stopped in front of a door marked 'Lab 1.' She turned to me seriously. "And this is where the real adventure begins! We have some of the most advanced robotics projects in the academy here for your perusal. From experimental machine learning algorithms to cutting-edge magitech integrations, this is where we push the boundaries of what's possible."

She paused, her expression growing more animated. "And I want you to be a part of that. We're going to test your skills, your adaptability, and your creativity. You'll learn faster than you ever thought possible and make mistakes along the way. But that's how we grow!"

I gulped, feeling the weight of her expectations as she closed in on me on her tippy toes with a manic grin, glasses shimmering underneath the fluorescent light.

"R-right," I managed to say, my voice steady despite the knot in my stomach.

Wasn't she a bit too close? Either way, her intensity was both daunting and infectious.

"Great!" Ena exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I can't wait to see what you can do. But first, let's introduce you to the rest of the team and get you settled in."

She pushed open a massive double door with a sign that said Lab 1, and I followed her into a large, open space filled with workbenches, tools, and various robotic parts scattered around. The air was alive with whirring motors and the occasional spark of a 3-D Printer.

"Everyone, this is Ikazuchi, our new member from Earth," Ena announced, gesturing towards me. "Ikazuchi, meet your fellow club members."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards me, assessing and curious, as I gave a small wave. I felt a bead of sweat forming at the nape of my neck under their intense stares. Ena's introduction hung in the air, waiting for a response.

I squared my shoulders and offered a tentative smile. "H-hey, everyone," I began, trying to sound confident despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. "It's great to meet you all. I'm looking forward to working together and learning from you. I hope I can contribute something meaningful to our projects."

They gawked at me in surprise, as if sizing me up to see if I really belonged here. The silence stretched on, broken only by the soft hum of machines in the background.

I felt a surge of anxiety building in my chest, my palms growing clammy as the silence hung thick in the air.

I hadn't been on Terra for long, but I'd already gotten my fair share of unpleasant nonsense from people like Caroline and some of the students in my classes.

Would they be any different, I wondered? Would they see me as an outsider who didn't belong in their world? I could feel the doubt creeping into my mind, threatening to overshadow the excitement and curiosity that had brought me here in the first place. Racism, bullying, and xenophobic sentiments weren't unique to Earth. It was the same on Terra.

I couldn't afford to let their judgments and prejudices hold me back. I needed to show them that I had earned my spot in the club, that I deserved to be there. But the longer they scrutinized me, the more I began to doubt myself.

Did they see something I didn't? Was there some invisible wall that I couldn't breach no matter how hard I tried?

My thoughts were cut short as the room burst into a flurry of excited chatter.

"Hey!! Wow, you're from Earth? How does the technology compare to ours? There isn't any magitech infrastructure, right?"

Students began to swarm around me all at once, bombarding me with questions and comments that made me feel like a specimen under a microscope.

"So you're from Earth? That's crazy! What's it like?"

"Do they really have robots that can carry off and do the dishes? I heard a rumor!"

"What's it like not being able to use magic?"

"How come you have so many people with brown eyes and black hair?"

"Wow! What was it like growing up in a whole different parallel world? What's the food like?"

"What was it like competing in a national contest back on Earth? Were you scared? Excited? Both?

"Your team broke records, right? What was your role in the project?"

"Hey, name's Annabelle. Do you miss your home, or are you excited to be here?"

The questions came at me from all sides, and I did my best to answer each one with a smile, trying to keep up with the rapid-fire interrogation. It was overwhelming, but there was a genuine curiosity in their eyes that made me feel a bit more at ease.

They were... actually interested in getting to know me and learning from my experiences back on Earth. The initial unease I felt at their intense stares started to dissipate, replaced by a sense of a shared passion for technology. Maybe I'd found my place after all, and they would be different.

As the conversation flowed and I tried to get a handle on the dynamic energy of the room, I caught Ena's eye twinkling.

She stood back, watching with a small smile playing on her lips as she crossed her arms. Her earlier intensity had softened into a look of smug satisfaction as if she had known I'd be fine all along.

I couldn't help but grin back, feeling grateful for her guidance and the sudden support and attention from all my peers.

Maybe I won't be so out of my depth here tonight after all?

...

Of course, I just had to go and let that thought cross my mind, didn't I?