--
Chason Base, Palmian Kingdom. August, 64 A.U.
Project Valfreyja
--
Pvt. Ames tore up the clouds as he passed through the base. Everyone could hear and see him race. At first, it became a big deal. But after several weeks of it, it became part of the base, nothing more, nothing less.
"Control, this is Pvt. Ames. Finishing the test and returning to base."
"Copy that, go ahead and start the landing process."
VHIIi...RRrr
Ames touched the ground surrounded by many faces. They were more than just the people connected to the magic armor. Some normal soldiers and officers gather to see him in action in that day's case.
"Hah!"
Ames walked into a small-ish hangar where the project was given place. A group of crews helped him out of the armor and did some checks. After he finished, Ames went to the impromptu control room space.
Ames was a special existence to the project, but still, he was only a test pilot. He still needed to go and report to the rest.
---
"That is all, sir!"
"Thanks, Pvt. Ames. You can go back for today, tomorrow I want your written report."
"Yes, sir!"
Ames saluted, turned, and reached for the door. But he was stopped by Vent to talk more.
"Ames, wait! Don't go back yet, there's something I need to talk to you about before."
"Yes, ma'am! Do I wait here, or..."
"Let's do it at lunch. We'll eat at the cafeteria outdoors." Lyto jumped in and put himself in the conversation. Ames's and Vent's confirmation he ignored.
"Yes, sir. Well, then... I'm going first."
"You do that soldier."
---
The Chason base was one of the most well-known HAFF grounds. For that reason, it had many facilities that wouldn't normally be around. One of those was the cafeteria with the loudness of the base as its background.
That place was where better foods were found. Usually, a private like Ames wouldn't even be counted as potential to eat there. But his fame eased the account.
Ames sat and did nothing but stare at the sky. He waited there for some time much to other's astoundment.
"Prvt. Ames!"
"Captain!"
Lyto came with Nensa and Vent. He didn't sit just yet and would just stand.
"Let's take a meal first."
Nensa and Ames ate a similar grand meal. They came from the same homeland. There, it was on brand for people to eat with rice. That was why the two can not categorize food as a meal without rice filling in.
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On the other hand, Prof. Vent would only have two small sandwiches and juice in her hands.
The talk started after they can eat some of their food.
"Private, this is an unplanned discussion. So you can be more casual."
"Yes, sir."
Vent put out a small notebook. Even if the captain said that Ames couldn't help but nervously looking.
"Pvt. Ames, I might be a bit protruding. First of all, what is magic to you?"
"Magic is a process of energy transfers where mana is used."
SLAP Lyto patted Ames's back quite powerfully.
"You are tense, Ames. We're not here in scrutiny, We're doing this for the research's boost."
A quick glance at Nina, Ames took. She nodded her head affirming that it was true.
"Yes, sir. I'm sorry."
"Alright then~ What about mana? What theory do you subscribe to? There's biological, spiritual, geological, even astral! There's a lot to choose."
"I believe mana is something that a soul produces. That is why mana in inanimate objects can only be infused."
Vent started writing on her book. She already finished her sandwiches so she took a sip of her juice.
"Spiritual, I see... Let's go back to the first issue. Just like before, what theory of magic made the most sense to you?"
"A certain amount of mana and intention, to cast magic you need those two. A plant can't cast magic because it had no intent to do. Non-mages can't cast a magic because we don't have the mana amount mages do."
"Uh-huh! And that's why even non-mages could use magic tools. To provide as its battery, mana stone is used." Vent completed Ames's explanation. She also once again wrote it in her book.
"Side note: is this also what the two greatest minds in magical science, your parents, believed too?"
"Yes... I guess I learned magical science while helping their knowledge pursuit."
Vent finished her noting and closed the book. It finished very soon. I thought it would take long to conclude. Ames thought.
"That is a good insight into your mind. Finally, why do you think non-mages are unable to use the magic armor? Your intention is delivered through spells. The magic armor itself had a bigger mana stone introduced. Still, you are the only one."
"Uh... I don't know... I just do how I would operate magic tools. When my mind wished for the spell, mana from the mana stone flowed through."
CLATTER
"I see... Before you go, the captain has something to tell. Nensa, I'm going back to the lab."
Vent just up and left with those words. Nensa who was still eating just nodded. Lyto seemed to be more surprised than troubled.
Ames turned to face Lyto.
"Pvt. Ames, you have been a great addition to the team. The test pilots for the Fulsts have their own strengths. But in pure manipulation of magic armors, you are undoubtedly ahead."
"Thank you, sir."
"But, there is still something missing- Not your fault. But there is something we haven't got from you."
"The research..."
"Yes."
creak
Lyto dragged his chair turning. Now he and Ames got to see each other face to face.
"It's not your fault. But we need to understand how can you use the Vawln. I'm not reprimanding you. I just need all of us to be on the same page."
Lyto stood up with his empty tray. He tapped Ames's back again and gave him a little nod. He then left the table leaving Ames and Nensa who hadn't finished their meals.
---
Every time Ames and Nensa went somewhere, Ames always escorted her back. Whether it was to the lab or back to her own room. This gentlemanly act was something ingrained in him by his mother.
On their way back from the little meeting, they passed the Fulsts' test pilots. There were three of them. The project's test pilots officially assigned the name of Team Pixy. Making the three Pixy one, two, and three. Ames was Pixy four due to his last entry.
"NENSA! Where are you going- Oh, you're with him."
1st Lt. of HAFF Magic Defense Force, Pommeline Suzuki was Pixy one. She was a short-haired tall woman. Her looks fit quite nicely with the image of a military girl inside of everyone. She was very handy with rifles and generally, guns.
"What were you doing with him?"
2nd Lt. Kyle Gilbert also came from the MDF. He dressed and acted prim and proper if only to please himself. Picking out Pixy Team from their height, Kyle would definitely be the last one left.
"Alright, let's just go."
2nd Lt. Loclynn Nilsen was the oldest of the three. He's a very free man usually. But at that time, he joined his comrade in their hostility. He had the looks of someone normal his age would be. But he was stronger physically.
"What is this?"
"You don't need to know, Nensa."
"No no no. What is-"
"UM!" Ames awkwardly cut into the conversation. "How is the magic workout? Is it hard? My parents never did that, so I don't know anything in that regard."
"Yes, don't know anything is right~ It's hard. You're trying to understand it? Dont. Even. Start!"
The three left with their back on Ames and Nensa on their way.
"HEY! Ames don't even know anything! Getting at him like this isn't fair! Why are you blaming him!? It won't change a thing! If anything YOU are the one that should've changed it!"
tap
"..."
Pommeline stopped for a second.
tap tap tap
She continued after finished hearing what Nensa had to say.