The afternoon sun shone through the library windows, casting a warm glow over the stacks of books and the scattered students studying in various corners. I sat at a small table near the window, reviewing my notes from my Principles of Engineering class, when my phone buzzed on the table.

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, I just wanted to thank you again for today. And to let you know I'm feeling a bit 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 feeling better. How are the cuts doing?'

A few moments passed before my phone buzzed again. 'The nurse patched me up pretty well. And I've had some time to think and cool down. Still a mess, but a slightly less messy mess, if that makes sense.'

I chuckled at her message, imagining her saying that in her quirky cadence.

'Anyway, I was wondering if you'd have time for dinner tonight? There's this new sushi place that just opened up near campus, and I thought it'd be nice to celebrate surviving the day with some good food. My treat.'

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.

'Sounds like a great idea, but I've got the first meeting for the Robotics Club tonight. Can we take a rain check Maybe this weekend? There's a neighborhood barbecue out in Greenhaven. Don't know if you'd be interested.'

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.

Her response came quickly, understanding, and upbeat. 'Either or sounds good. Gl with your meeting!'

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.'

---

 

"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 not to keep her close."

I blinked in surprise at Rai-chan's sudden vocal presence, her voice clear as if she was sitting right next to me in the library. I glanced around discreetly, making sure that nobody else had heard her before responding mentally,

"You're being quite chatty today, Rai-chan. What's gotten into you?"

Rai-chan chuckled in my mind, her amusement evident. "Just feeling a bit more lively today, I suppose. I believe I am becoming more... emotive as our synchronization level increases?"

"I've never heard you joke around this much before," I thought back to Rai-chan, feeling a surge of gratitude for her company. "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. Although... it has become quite fun to tease you from time to time since our Synchronization Level increased to 6."

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 couldn't help but chuckle at her phrasing.

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 for a lifetime this week.

As I strolled through the recreational area, 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. It seemed paradoxical that such advanced technology adorned the old European design; but then again, Terra was full of paradoxes.

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

Suddenly, a voice cut through the silence from behind me, causing me to jolt in alarm. "Huh! Well, oh well. Who do we have here? Black hair, dark brown eyes. A most peculiar combination."

I spun back toward the boxes, my eyes landing on a short girl with bright red hair tied in a ponytail, with curious sapphire blue eyes 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 wait! You're the Earthling, 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 high school robotics and engineering 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, tell me about your experience with robotics," 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.

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 began, 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 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. 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.

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 on that national-level contest on Earth."

I scratched my head, feeling a bit out of my depth. "Well, I won a national robotics contest back home. I mean, 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?"

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. A group of two dozen students in the middle of unpacking and organizing supplies around some folding chairs looked up as we entered, and the room fell silent.

"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 gazes. 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 stared 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.

My thoughts were cut short as the room burst into a cacophony of excited chatter. Students began to swarm around me, bombarding me with questions and comments that made me feel like a specimen under a microscope.

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

"I heard rumors that Earthlings have no aptitude for magic. Is it true? Hey, they said you know Elio Hinokawa right?"

"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.

I tried my best to answer their questions, feeling relieved and excited at their curiosity. It seemed like they were genuinely interested in getting to know me and learning from my experiences back on Earth. The initial unease I felt at their intense gazes started to dissipate, replaced by a sense of a shared passion for technology.

As the conversation flowed and I tried to get a handle on the dynamic energy of the room, I caught Ena's eye. She stood back, watching with a small smile playing on her lips. Her earlier intensity had softened into a look of smug satisfaction as if she had known I'd be fine all along.

Suddenly, a smooth, adolescent voice cut through the chatter, silencing the room. "Alright, alright, give the poor guy some space to breathe, will ya?"

The crowd parted, revealing a towering figure pushing his way through. He was a giant of a student, easily a head taller than anyone else in the room.

He was built similarly to my dad — the way someone would be from working with their hands all their life, but chubbier with signs of growing awkwardness all over him. His black, ashen skin contrasted sharply with his shining silver eyes, and his body was accentuated by a fitted t-shirt that seemed to struggle to contain his bulk. His hair was cut neatly into a flat top, adding to his imposing presence.

The room fell into a respectful hush as the boy approached, his presence demanding attention. "Sorry about that, Ikazuchi," he said, offering me a friendly grin and an extended hand. "Anyway, name's Spencer. Spencer Williams. You've gotta forgive the others — they get a little too excited and curious sometimes. It's not every day we get someone from Earth joining us, you know?"

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at his intervention. "Thanks," I replied. I shook his hand, taken aback by his friendly demeanor and grip strength. "And it's Ikki, by the way. My friends call me Ikki, not Ikazuchi."

Spencer nodded, his grin widening. "Got it, my man. Ikki it is. Welcome to the club. We're all looking forward to seeing what you can bring to the table. Why don't I show ya around?"

I followed Spencer as he led me around the bustling lab, introducing me to the various projects and team members. I found myself getting caught up in his excitement, asking questions and sharing my own ideas as we walked. Spencer was a second-year student who seemed to know just about everyone in the lab. As we walked, he filled me in on the different ongoing projects and the impressive accomplishments of the Robotics Club.

"Our focus is on gaining practical skills in maintaining, upgrading, and optimizing combat-ready robots for search and rescue missions. These robots are essential in aiding both Magical Girls and the various sponsoring organizations in defending against magical threats. It's pretty intense stuff, but also incredibly rewarding. Someone's gotta do it, after all!" Spencer explained, his voice filled with pride. "You see, a good chunk of the club also either moonlights as Support Operatives for the city's Magitech Defense Force, or has ongoing internships in industry,

My eyes widened in surprise. "Support Operatives?"

"Yeah," Spencer replied, his voice laced with excitement. "We're the behind-the-scenes heroes supporting registered Magical Girl cells, ensuring all the tech runs smoothly so the Skirts can do their thing. It's a lot of responsibility, but it's also a chance to make a real difference in protecting our city. Of course, it's an open secret, but it is considered impolite to ask if someone works with them and who, you know?"

I nodded, processing the unspoken rule. "That's really impressive. Sheesh, it sounds like you guys are doing some seriously important work here."

Spencer grinned proudly. "We'd like to think so. But don't worry, Ikki, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get involved and contribute. Ena has a talent for finding us major impactful projects. We were supposed to be tackling a major project for Sisyphus this semester, actually. Or even for the entire year. But something happened with the summer team, so we had to postpone its launch for now. It may not be active on their end, but it remains a top priority for us. Regardless, there are plenty of other tasks to keep us occupied while Sohrab, Eugene, Nia, and some of us work on resolving any issues with it."

Spencer's mention of the project being put on hold caught my attention and sparked my interest. "What happened with the group over the summer?" I asked, sensing there was more to the story. "And uhh, Sisyphus? Why are they handing off these projects to a bunch of teenagers anyway?"

His expression turned serious for a moment before he sighed. "Let's just say there was a bizarre, unexplainable incident during a routine test run," he explained, his voice tinged with frustration.

"As for why we get all these projects... it's really because younger minds like ours tend to lead breakthroughs in magitech innovations. It isn't just Sisyphus, too. Other entities and companies like the Balor Corporation, Kong & Associates, and even the Institute of Historical Sciences come to us with projects. The St. Antonia's team also gets commissioned by some high profile Magical Girls time to time where we need all hands on deck. I know it sounds kinda weird because Earth's culture has an established track record of scientists being most productive in their thirties. Magic is a bullshit fickle thing, and it's better for people like us to work on it."

That seemed... almost counterintuitive to me, as someone who'd only read about magitech passing

before coming to Terra. The more Spencer spoke about the responsibilities and opportunities within the Robotics Club, the more I felt a rush of excitement and determination building inside me. The chance to work on cutting-edge magitech projects and contribute to the safety of the city and world was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

"But wait, what rules in Terran magic are different from established natural laws?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "I've read a bit, but education material on magitech is kind of dicey on Earth right now, to say the least."

Spencer chuckled, seemingly amused by my question. "Aw, man. The rules of magic. They're not something we can easily pin down, you know. Do you have some time? I'll have to go through a bit of a lecture on magic and magitech if you want to understand why we get all these projects."

I nodded eagerly, my interest fully captured by Spencer's offer. "Absolutely! I'd love to learn more about the rules of magic in Terra and how they differ from our understanding of natural laws on Earth."

Spencer stretched his arms before looking around the room. He led me to a small corner of the workshop, away from the bustling activity and in front of a whiteboard.

"Alright," he began, leaning forward. "So, on Earth, you guys have a more physics-based focus when it comes to understanding the natural laws governing your world, right? Gravity, electromagnetism, thermodynamics... all that stuff?"

I nodded, recalling all of my science classes. "Yeah, we rely on empirical evidence and experimentation to understand and explain how things work. Randomized controlled trials, the scientific method, peer review. The works."

Spencer grinned before letting out a whistle. "Hoo boy, this should be good. Prepare to have your mind blown."

He picked up a marker before beginning to scribble on the whiteboard. "Let's start from here, then. Sooo, as we understand it on Terra, magic is deeply intertwined with the natural world and the energy that flows through it. It's more fluid and more adaptable than the centuries of physical sciences established on Earth - which is why we were probably half a century to a century behind in science before first contact."

He paused momentarily as if searching for the right words. "The first thing to understand about magitech is that magic itself is alive," he continued. "It responds to emotions, intentions, and connections between individuals and their surroundings. It's almost like a dance. Individually, the more in tune you are with the universe - whether we define it as nature, humanity, rationality, or your own sense of ego, the stronger your brand of magic tends to become."

Spencer drew circles and lines on the whiteboard, illustrating his point. "These circles represent individuals, and the lines connecting them symbolize the flow of magic between them. It's a constant exchange, a give and take. And when you tap into that flow, when you understand the interconnectedness of all things, you can channel that magic into incredible feats."

He paused, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"But here's the thing," he said, leaning closer to me. "There's no one-size-fits-all approach to magic here. Everyone's connection to magic is unique, shaped by their own experiences and perceptions. And their teachers' experiences and perceptions. And their parents and role models — whether biological or adopted. To become a practitioner, it's not always about memorizing spells or following rigid rituals. It's about finding your own rhythm within this symphony of chaos and meaning."

I listened intently, captivated by Spencer's words. The idea that magic was alive and responsive, intertwined with the essence of existence, was like nothing I'd ever encountered on Earth.

"But how do you tap into this flow, then?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity. "Is it something that can be learned or is it inherent within certain individuals?"

Spencer grinned, his eyes shining with anticipation. "It's a little bit of both, actually," he replied. "Some people are born with a stronger connection to magic, making it easier to tap into the flow. But that doesn't mean others can't learn. However, wrapping your head around a magical discipline usually requires a higher order of thinking and a deep understanding of yourself. It just... isn't worth it for most people to put in the effort. But for the crazy folks willing to dive deep into the mysteries of magic, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey."

I scratched my chin as I absorbed Spencer's words. The concept of magic being alive and responsive to emotions and connections was pretty difficult to wrap my head around.

"The rules of magic really do get bizarre, though," Spencer continued a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "In fact, I touched upon it a bit higher; more nebulous concepts such as belief, collective emotion, and legacy even seem to play a crucial role — which is why these old rituals and spells work. Often with conflicting and contradicting religious roots."

Legacy?

That word lingered in the air, leaving a hint of mystery behind. I leaned in closer, captivated by Spencer's explanation.

"Legacy?" I repeated softly.

Spencer nodded, a solemn expression crossing his face. "Yes, legacy," he said, his voice filled with reverence. "It's the idea that the actions and achievements of our predecessors echo through time and can influence the flow of magic. Just as the natural world evolves and adapts, so too does magic. It carries fragments of the past, the knowledge, memories, and power accumulated by those who came before us."

He gestured to the whiteboard again, adding more lines and symbols. "Imagine these connections not only extending to individuals but also reaching back and forward in time," he explained. "Through a an imaginary manifold, even. The legacy of ancient mages, legendary heroes, and even forgotten civilizations can still resonate within the fabric of magic today. Echoes of dreams that have yet to be realized also have a funny way of influencing our present. It's like their presence lingers in the currents of energy, waiting to be harnessed by those who are attuned to it. That's why the rituals and spells passed down from generation to generation still hold power. Even if there's no science or math, or sometimes even logic and reason behind it."

I gazed at the intricate web of lines and circles, my mind reeling with the implications of what Spencer had just revealed. I was fascinated by the notion that magic on Terra was not a fixed system but a living, evolving force intertwined with the very essence of the world.

"So, how does all that tie into magitech?" I asked. "Why is it they hand off these projects to people our age?"

Spencer smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Now we're really getting to the meat and potatoes. This is where the real fun begins," he said. "Just bear with me because we've got some more fundamentals to cover."

He returned to the whiteboard, erasing the previous illustrations and drawing a new diagram. "Imagine magic in its entirety as this swirling vortex of energy where the rules change constantly. An eternal record of all distortions and adjustments to the reality that will be and ever was. The people of Earth and Terra both came up with the concept of the Akashic Records individually... which I won't pretend to understand well enough to explain in-depth. Regardless, many cultures have a concept for the function of akasha - the reality of mystical laws in the presence. Some call it Aether, some call it Barakah, but it's more or less the same thing," he said, pointing at a spiraling symbol. "The Akashic Records is a bit of a shitshow concept, because as far as we can tell, predestination doesn't really exist. It's a maelstrom of possibilities, like flipping through the pages of a cosmic choose-your-own-adventure book at lightspeed. But we've experimentally proven that the future affects the magic in the present and vice-versa. So, let's skip over that causality headache for now..."

He drew a grid-like structure next to the vortex. "...And focus on the engineering function. So, moving away from that nightmare, we can work with something both of us understand. The ability to model classic technology and science as this rigid framework of gears and circuits. Predictable and orderly, built on the principles of cause and effect."

Spencer tapped the whiteboard with his marker, connecting the swirling vortex of magic to the rigid structure of technology. "The beauty of magitech lies in the fusion of these two seemingly incompatible forces," he explained. "By harnessing the fluidity and responsiveness of magic and combining it with the reliability and predictability of technology, we can achieve feats that were once thought impossible."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. I stared at the diagram, trying to grasp the concept before speaking again.

"But isn't magic inherently unpredictable then?" I asked, voicing my concern. "Wouldn't that make it impossibly difficult to integrate into modern technology? If the laws we operate on change because someone discovered a new spell or emotion suddenly shifts the flow of magic, wouldn't it cause chaos in a magitech creation?"

Spencer nodded. "You're... half-right on that. Magic does have an element of unpredictability, but it's not complete anarchy. The key is understanding the patterns and principles that govern the flow of magic. Just like physics, there are laws and principles that dictate how magic works, even if they're not as rigid as the laws of science. By learning and respecting these laws, we can make magitech more reliable and predictable. Magic and magitech as practiced by Terrans is all about channeling and controlling that power within currently defined boundaries with wiggle-room for known abnormalities."

He continued, drawing a caged lattice on the whiteboard to illustrate his point. "Think of it like taming a wild beast," he said. "You can't completely eliminate its wild nature, but you can learn to guide and direct it, shaping it according to your needs. And that's why it's better to have people like us work on it."

Then he picked up a small device from his desk and handed it to me. It was sleek and futuristic, with a pulsating crystal embedded in its core. "This," Spencer said, "is a simple model of a rehashed age-old fundamental magitech device. We call it a Mana Resonator. Or a Resonator for short."

I took the Resonator from Spencer's outstretched hand, marveling at its beauty and craftsmanship. The pulsating crystal seemed to emit a soft, ethereal glow as if it was alive with magic.

"Wow," I whispered, my fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched onto the surface of the device. "I've... read about these a bit, but never wrapped my head around how they work. Our reading materials on Earth always try to explain magitech within our rational framework."

"So, you know what these do?" Spencer nodded, a smile crossing his face.

"Kind of. I know Terrans used to use finely chiseled crystals to store mana and amplify their magical abilities," I replied, recalling the limited information I had read. "I'm not sure exactly how they work, though. How do these bridge the Akasha or Aether or whatever with technology?"

Spencer's smile widened as he leaned against the whiteboard. "Great questions. Great questions for real," he said, his voice brimming with excitement. "To put it simply, a Mana Resonator is designed to resonate with the natural flow of magic, tapping into that swirling vortex of energy we discussed earlier."

He walked over to a nearby console and pressed a sequence of buttons, activating a holographic display. The display projected a three-dimensional model of the Resonator, highlighting its intricate components.

"As you can see," Spencer explained, gesturing at the hologram, "the Resonator contains a series of precise circuitry and enchanted studded crystals that interact with both the mana stored in the crystal, as well as the akasha - the basis and essence of all things in the material world and everything that is and will. It acts as a conduit, amplifying and channeling the magic into usable energy."

I watched in awe as the hologram displayed the inner workings of the Resonator. The circuitry and crystals seemed to dance and pulse with energy as if they were alive. It was a symphony of technology and magic, working in perfect harmony.

"But how does it work, exactly?" I asked.

Spencer grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "That's where the Akashic Records I mentioned earlier comes into play," he replied. "The Resonator is not just a device that harnesses magic; it also has the ability to resonate with that intangible blob of information. The imprints of ancient spells and rituals left behind by previous generations of mages."

He pointed to a specific set of runes etched onto the surface of the Resonator. "These runes," Spencer explained, "are attuned to the frequencies of the aether. The modern magic world works off a spell library we call Common Magic. When activated, they awaken spells and connections pulled from the flow, at the price of raw mana paid. It's like tapping into a wellspring of knowledge and power that has accumulated throughout history. By accessing these ancient spells, the Resonator can replicate their effects and manifest them into the physical world. And sometimes, fluke accidents happen where an incorrectly inscribed spell formula designed to say, heat up water for example, instead, causes a minor earthquake as an extreme example. That event adds a new spell to the library we keep digitally."

My mind raced with the possibilities. It was both exhilarating and daunting to think that this small device held the potential to do just so much.

"Does that mean anyone can use this crystal device as is?" I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity.

Spencer shook his head, his expression turning more serious. "Not just anyone," he said. "Using a Resonator directly requires a basic understanding of magic to operate effectively. It takes practice, dedication, and respect for the legacy we're tapping into. The first mana resonators were things like staves and crystal balls that only seasoned mages could wield. But over time, advancements in magitech have allowed for smaller, more compact devices like this prototype that could be initiated with an input of mana. Then, well, we figured out how to put them into robots and other machinery, expanding the possibilities even further."

"An input of mana, huh? So if it isn't in the hands of a practicing mage, you'd use something like the core of a Chaos Beast, then?" I asked.

Spencer's eyes widened with surprise, and he nodded enthusiastically. "My man! You catch on quick," he replied. "The core of a Chaos Beast contains an immense amount of what we call 'xeno-mana' - making it a perfect energy source for magitech devices like a Sisyphus mech. Obviously, there aren't enough of those monsters around to run all of society, so we've developed ways to extract mana from other sources as well. Crystals, natural ley lines, and even natural elements like plants and minerals can all be used to provide the necessary mana input, albeit at a lower scale."

"So... how does this tie back to giving magitech research project to teenagers, then?" I asked.

Spencer chuckled, the mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "Ah, that's the beauty of it," he said. "According to studies from organizations like the Legacy of Zarathrustra and Babylon, the majority of breakthroughs in magical research and magitech come from individuals between the ages of 15 to 27. While traditional methods are important for technological advancements, magic and magitech require unconventional thinking and pushing boundaries. People like us have a natural curiosity and fearlessness when it comes to exploring uncharted territories. We challenge norms and conventions, which is essential for progress. Even if you don't have the same background as Ena or Sohrab, their extensive knowledge of magical theory more than makes up for it when we work as a team."

I nodded in understanding, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. "So, by tapping into the creative and innovative minds of younger generations, organizations can accelerate the development of magitech and push the boundaries of what's possible," I said, summarizing Spencer's explanation.

"That's about the gist of it," Spencer commented.

I stroked my chin, taking in all the information Spencer had shared. But there was still one thing that lingered in my mind, a curiosity that I couldn't shake off. "Spencer, you mentioned earlier that we were supposed to be working on a big project this semester, but it's been put on hold. Can you tell me more about that?"

Spencer's expression turned thoughtful, and he paused for a moment before responding. "Oh, right, the project. It's a bit of a rough subject, but I suppose you should know since you're now part of the team. C'mon, follow me."

The older boy began walking to the exit of Lab 1, beckoning me along. Curious, I followed Spencer out of the lab, my mind buzzing with anticipation.

"So you see…" Spencer started as we walked. "Some bigwigs at Sisyphus had tasked us with a next-generation experimental project to integrate a human operator with cutting-edge Earth constructs, using Terran Object Sentience magic."

Most of the technobabble was lost to me there, but I furrowed my brow and asked a question that would help me break down the rest of that word vomit.

"I'm curious, what exactly is Object Sentience magic?" I inquired.

Spencer paused, taking a deep breath.

"Well, it's a bit complicated. Let me ask you this, Ikki. Are you familiar with the concept of a mage having a familiar?" Spencer asked.

"Yes," I responded, my mind conjuring images of witches and black cats. "At least, from what I've read in Earth's folklore. A familiar is a magical creature that forms a bond with a witch or wizard, helping them with their daily tasks, correct?"

As we approached a more quiet area of the Robotics Club building, Spencer nodded and continued. "Yes, that's correct. Object Sentience is essentially a type of magic that gives life and intelligence to animals or objects. Familiars have always been helpful for mages, especially those who become Magical Girls. The process usually involves connecting the mage's soul to the animal or object, creating a strong bond where the familiar becomes almost as sentient as its master. It's not hard to imagine applying this concept to machines, right?"

I stopped for a second, feeling a chill run down my spine. It was a bit of a coincidence, but I distinctly recalled that the briefcase I'd found Rai-chan's core in clearly had a Sisyphus logo on it.

"Ikki…" Rai-chan's voice echoed in my head. "This sounds like…"

I nodded slowly, trying to hide my shock.

"Us," I finished , realizing the weight of Spencer's words. My mind raced with implications, connecting dots that seemed to form a picture too big to comprehend all at once.

"That's fascinating," I said, keeping my voice steady. "So, this project was about creating a machine with a kind of consciousness? Like a robotic familiar?"

Spencer's lips curled into a sly grin. "Yes, that was the goal. To create an AI with advanced computing abilities and the capability to act independently in real-time to support combat operations. We were experimenting with incorporating resonators powered by high-end chaos cores, essentially constructing a machine capable of autonomous thought and reaction when linked up with a mage. It was revolutionary work, and we had successfully created a functioning prototype. But during testing, something went awry, and the project was halted indefinitely."

I frowned, pondering the implications. "That sounds like a huge setback. What kind of problem would cause such a project to be halted?"

Spencer let out a long exhale, his fingers combing through his hair in frustration. "It was like a dream come true to have that piece of art on our workbench. Sisyphus went above and beyond their initial specifications with the prototype, and I couldn't contain my excitement. I later found out that Doctor Rachel Feynman had personally worked on it herself, and it was seamlessly integrated into their satellite systems."

We paused again as we approached a security door, and Spencer placed his fingers on another biometric scanner, opening a heavy metal door.

"So, anyway…" he continued. "We began to run some final tests on it after working on it all summer, and it worked like a charm integrating plain old image generation algorithms. But then… something went wrong. Completely out of the blue, even."

"Completely out of the blue? Did you accidentally insert a core and turn it into a novel Aberrant or something?"

Spencer's expression turned grave, his eyes clouded with worry and uncertainty. "No, nothing like that," he replied somberly. "The chaos core was securely integrated and the resonance between the AI and the core appeared stable during initial testing. However, about a month ago, the AI began exhibiting strange behavior - unlike anything we had programmed or believed possible with our dataset. It was... creepy as hell, Ikki. It was almost as if it were trying to communicate with us through the machines using signals in an unrecognizable cryptographical code based on the Silver Ratio. It also seemed to be causing power outages and triggering denial-of-service attacks at random intervals."

We stepped into a dimly lit chamber with rows of computer servers humming softly; Spencer gestured towards a vault door at the end of the room.

"The AI seemed to have a mind of its own, going completely berserk. That forced us to shut everything down and isolate it before it could do any further damage. But things took a strange turn when we tried to investigate the cause. We couldn't even access the system or reboot the machines without any success. The only option left was to disconnect it from all external networks and keep it in complete isolation, as it began exhibiting unsettling behaviors. Even then, it found a way to keep communicating, tapping into nearby electronic devices almost like it was screaming for help."

"Wow," I said, my curiosity piqued. "That sounds intense. You guys couldn't factory reset it or anything?"

Spencer shook his head. "No. That's the thing, it's... pretty bizarre. We're pretty split on whether this was the case, but I'm convinced that the AI had somehow become self-aware, with its own consciousness and desires. It couldn't be simply erased or reset. It had evolved beyond its intended programming and it literally rewrote and constantly re-encrypted its code base to stop us from getting a handle on it. And then... it just completely vanished."

"Vanished?" I repeated.

"That's right," Spencer confirmed, a troubled look in his eyes. "We were monitoring its every move, every microsecond, and then suddenly, all signals from the AI just ceased. It vanished into thin air, leaving nothing but an empty kernel and a read-only, deeply encrypted core. We searched high and low, but there was no trace of where it went or what happened. It was as if it had slipped into the digital ether, beyond our reach. The core is still sitting here in the lab, inactive and silent. It's like it's in a state of hibernation, waiting for something... or someone."

As Spencer spoke, a shiver ran down my spine. The story he was telling felt eerily familiar, almost like it was echoing off something deep within me. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was a connection here, a link to something I couldn't quite grasp.

Spencer led me to the vault door at the end of the room. He paused for a moment, his hand hovering over the keypad. "I'm going to show you something cool, Ikki. A bunch of the others have taken a crack at getting it to open up to no avail. If you'd like to give it a try as one of your side projects, though, by all means go for it."

He entered a code, and the vault door slowly swung open with a heavy metallic groan. Inside, the room was dimly lit, casting shadows across the walls. In the center of the room, encased in a glass cylinder, was a metal sphere. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The core pulsed with a faint, eerie light, and I could feel a strange resonance in the air, almost like a whisper calling out to me.

"Ikki, something's wrong," Rai-chan whispered urgently in my mind, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

The metal sphere seemed to be pulsating with a rhythm that matched the beating of my heart. As I approached it, a wave of dizziness swept over me, and I staggered back, struggling to focus my thoughts.

Spencer watched me intently, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Hey, you okay there, buddy?" he asked, taking a step towards me.

I nodded slowly, trying to steady my breathing. "I... I think so," I muttered. "But there's something about this core... it feels... familiar. Giving me a headache."

My companion raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering between me and the metal sphere. "Familiar? How so?"

I felt a flash of pain shoot through my head, a sharp sensation that made me wince. The words on the core seemed to shimmer and shift, as if trying to convey a message that eluded my understanding.

"Anyway, uh, this," Spencer said, adding a dramatic flair to his words, "is what we've been working on... Project R̶̲̓̆́͐̔́̃̓̔̒͐͝͝á̴̯̘͐̎̽̊͊͂̇̀͂̃̚͝ì̵͇̻̉̓̊̒̓́̅̓͆̓̅̈́̕j̶̡̤̣̦̬͙͚̠̘͖̲̖́͌̂̓̀̀̈́̔̋͘͠͝ǔ̶̯̣͍͉̲̥͐͗͌̉."

A sudden wave of nausea washed over me, and I felt a sharp pain in my head like a migraine clawing its way through my skull. My vision blurred, and I staggered slightly, reaching out to steady myself against the glass cylinder.

"████ -sy there," Spencer's voice seemed distant, muffled by the throbbing in my ears as he came to catch me. "What's wrong?"

As I stood there, staring at the core, I felt a sudden headache, a sharp pain that seemed to pierce through my skull. I reached up to my temple, trying to steady myself.

The pain surged through me like a bolt of lightning, and I staggered back, clutching my head in agony. The metal sphere before me seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly energy, and the room began to spin around me. Colors swirled and danced in a chaotic whirlwind, blending into a kaleidoscope of light and shadow.

I could hear a distant sound, like the wail of sirens echoing in the depths of my mind. The lab around us started to blur and distort, as though reality itself was folding in on itself. Spencer's voice sounded warped and distant, as if he were speaking to me from the other side of a vast chasm.

"Spencer, what's happening?!" I managed to choke out, my words slurred and fragmented.

Rai-chan's presence in my mind felt like a flickering candle in a storm, struggling to maintain its connection amidst the chaos unraveling around us.

And then, without warning, my HUD flickered red, and the lab sirens began to blare.