I stared up in awe at the skeletal remains of the Financial District's towering structures. Their once proud and gleaming windowed facades were now shattered and marred by the relentless scars of the invasion from twelve years ago. Nature was in the middle of its slow, inexorable reclamation, with vines crawling up the sides of buildings and wildflowers sprouting in the cracks of the pavement on the way here. It was like the city itself was trying to heal its wounds, covering the reminders of that fateful day with a blanket of green and whites.
But standing in the heart of all this devastation was a pristine, almost futuristic steel and glass complex surrounding a portal that stretched across the city block like a modern-day colossus. The Shoreline City terminal complex served both as a staging area for Terran forces, as well as a trade center for interworld commerce.
Dr. Hinokawa, dressed in his usual sharp suit, walked beside me, his eyes scanning the area with a mix of nostalgia and sorrow.
"Quite something, isn't it?" Dr. Hinokawa finally said, gesturing towards the portal. "A permanent bridge between worlds. The result of… what could be argued was a natural disaster.”
“Y-yeah… it's incredible, Dr. Hinokawa," I replied. I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and unease as I looked at the giant portal.
“Please, Ikki. Call me Elio from now on,” he corrected me gently, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. “You're not a child anymore. Although you may be young, you're stepping into a role that will demand much of you."
I nodded, feeling a swell of anxiety rise within me. I glanced down at the silver necklace Izumi had given me, gripping it for a moment. Elio led me into the bustling terminal, and I couldn't help but marvel at what I saw.
People from both Earth and Terra moved around the concourse, with an air of purpose and possibility. At a station marked as the Trade Terminal, I saw a crate of sleek laptops being inspected next to a box of glowing crystals, each emitting a soft hum.
Elio turned to me with an amused twinkle in his eye. "Do you understand the importance of this city, Ikki?"
I hesitated. "Not really, sir. I mean, I know it was a big city, but it felt like a symbolic reclamation if anything."
Elio nodded, "Well, let’s start with a lesson on… prosperity, then. Tell me, how do human beings typically obtain the goods they want and need?”
“We… trade for it?” I answered with uncertainty.
Elio smiled serenely, his eyes reflecting a depth of knowledge. “Precisely, Ikki. Ultimately, trade is the lifeblood of civilization. Maritime transport, especially, has been pivotal in shaping world history and prosperity. Tell me — why do you think that is?"
I thought for a moment, thinking about it logically. "Because it's far cheaper and more efficient to move large amounts of goods slowly on water than it is by plane, train, or truck? Sure, it’d be slower, but I think the cost economics win out in the end."
"Correct. You impress yet again," Elio said with an approving nod. "The city’s location makes it an ideal hub for intake and distribution of goods from all over the Atlantic and Arctic oceans into the nation’s internal waterway systems. The United States is rather unique for having a large, interconnected river system spanning almost the entirety of the nation that is navigable year-round. On top of that, there are production facilities along all of the subsystems that provide all the resources a population needs — from rich, ludicrously productive agricultural fields to raw metals and fossil fuels. This network of rivers and canals allows for staggeringly efficient movement of goods across… more or less most of the continent. The nation's natural advantage has allowed the nation to avoid an outright collapse, when most of the other major world powers have fared significantly worse.”
Elio's words painted a vivid picture in my mind. I imagined the vast network of rivers and canals, like veins pumping lifeblood through the body of a nation. "So, the geography itself played a crucial role in the nation's resilience? Why we’re still going and recovering as a nation?"
"Precisely," Elio replied. "Suffice to say, there are still major cities along the river critical for logistics that need to be reclaimed, such as Chicago and New Orleans. They will be crucial for reestablishing the full potential of the internal network. The same principle applies to Shoreline City on Terra. Its location makes it a critical hub for trade and commerce, vital for the prosperity of our counterparts. The ‘sister’ cities, so to speak, are not only critical economic centers for both nations, but also symbolic and historical cultural capitals. Without the ports of New Orleans, Savannah, Houston, and New York in total operation, full recovery will not be possible."
I nodded, absorbing the information. The significance of these cities was becoming clear to me. They were more than just dots on a map; they were lifelines.
“The number of nation-states at the peak of globalization that could sustain their populations and energy without maritime trade could… sadly in hindsight, be counted on two hands," Elio explained somberly. “Practices that had been built up over decades had optimized the world for economic growth. However, that same optimization meant that large, powerful nations such as the People’s Republic of China could foster populations far greater than food and energy sourced regionally could ever hope to sustain.”
My mind raced with the implications, and harrowing childhood memories of watching the world go to hell on the news. "So, countries that relied heavily on food and energy imports..."
Elio nodded, “You were no doubt bombarded with live footage depicting the Second Arab Spring as you grew up. Like the First Arab Spring, it was largely driven by a sudden scarcity in wheat flows from Eastern Europe, leading to a snowball of hunger and unrest. Oil production and exports ceased overnight. And subsequently, when oil ceased flowing from the Persian Gulf, the rest of Eurasia ground to a halt. The chaos that ensued killed far more people than the Aberrations could ever manage directly. It also created openings for opportunists such as the modern Great Powers —the Neo-Ottoman Caliphate and the protectorates under the Rising Sun Hegemony namely, to capitalize on the breakdown and expand their influence."
I tried to process the scale of such a disaster. It was like a domino effect, one catastrophe leading to another, reshaping the global landscape.
Elio cleared his throat. “But I digress. The key point I was trying to make with this lecture is that Shoreline City, where you will be studying, is much like New York City was before the Fall. It's a place where dreams are made, where wealth and opportunity flow like the rivers it opens up into. But remember, Ikki, every cosmopolitan city has its shadows. It can be a place of great learning and growth, but also a place of great dangers."
His words echoed in my mind as we walked through the rest of the terminal before arriving at a security check-point. The checkpoint was a flurry of activity, with people from both Earth and Terra passing through. Elio had picked up my luggage ahead of time last night, and gotten it past the terminal to my new home for the foreseeable future.
Elio led me to a separate line marked 'Diplomatic Passports', where we were greeted by a security officer with a stern but respectful demeanor. The worker at the gate, a tall woman with striking blue hair and red eyes, looked up from her desk. Her eyes widened slightly in recognition as she saw Elio.
"Ambassador," she greeted with a respectful nod and bow.
Elio offered her a warm smile. "Good morning, Marissa. This is Ikazuchi. He'll be crossing over to Shoreline City with me today."
Marissa's gaze shifted to me, and I felt a surge of nervous energy. "Welcome, Ikazuchi," she said in a professional but kind tone.
I reached into a fanny pack I had on, and retrieved my passport and other documents needed for the crossing. Marissa scanned them meticulously, her fingers moving with practiced efficiency.
"Everything appears to be in order," she said, handing back the documents. "I wish you a fruitful stay on Terra, Ikazuchi."
Elio led me through the gate, and the portal loomed ahead, its energy pulsing in a rhythm that seemed to resonate with my own heartbeat. I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was it. The threshold between worlds.
We stepped through, and the sensation was like nothing I had ever experienced — a sudden feeling of being disconnected from everything, and then a sudden woosh as reality reasserted itself.
I let out a breath, I didn’t even know I was holding as I took in the sight in front of me.
Everything on this side was so clean and opulent, in huge contrast to the bleak, rundown and underfunded buildings that I had grown accustomed to. The floors shone with a polish that reflected the light in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. Elegant digital displays floated seamlessly in the air, displaying public transit information in a mesmerizing dance of light and color.
The architecture was a marvel in itself, with sweeping curves and intricate designs that spoke of a deep appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. It was like stepping into a scene from a science fiction movie, only this was real, tangible. What little I could see here was a far cry from the battle-scarred streets of Earth where every day was a struggle for survival.
We walked with purpose through the terminal, and I briefly winced as my backpack shifted, pressing against my tender bruises. Elio, led me through the throngs of people, and I trailed behind him, my eyes darting around, trying to take in every detail of this new world. The air was filled with a blend of soft chimes and the gentle whirr of machinery, creating a melody that was both foreign and comforting.
As we approached the counter, I felt a strong surge of anxiety wash over me. This was the final step, the last barrier before I officially entered Terra. The counter was manned by an officer whose demeanor seemed less welcoming than Marissa's. She had platinum blonde hair with ink-black eyes, and looked dangerously beautiful. Her eyes were sharp and evaluating, and they lingered on me with an air of skepticism.
Elio handed her our documents. The officer, with a flick of her wrist, projected the papers onto a holographic display. Her fingers danced over the floating images, scrutinizing every detail.
There was a palpable tension in the air as she looked up, her gaze fixed on me. "A teenager with a full student visa, huh?" she remarked, her tone laced with a hint of disdain. "We don't see many of your kind here. Make sure you don't cause any trouble."
I felt a flush of embarrassment rise in my cheek, and Elio, sensing my discomfort, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"Officer, I assure you Ikazuchi is here on an esteemed scholarship and will be under my legal supervision," Elio responded with a calm but firm tone.
The officer's eyes narrowed slightly as she turned her attention back to the documents. "Just doing my job, Ambassador," she replied curtly. "We have to be careful, ya know. You have to understand — not everyone from there comes with good intentions. Some unsavory sorts have been slipping through as of late."
She gave a noncommittal hum, stamping the paperwork with an air of resignation. "Alright, everything's in order. Welcome to Shoreline City, Ikazuchi," she said flatly, handing back my documents with a frown.
As we walked away from the counter, I looked over my shoulder uneasily, wondering if I was imagining things. But no, there was something in her expression, a certain coldness that made me feel like an outsider. Was that... prejudice? I shook off the thought, reminding myself that not everyone would be happy to see newcomers.
Elio led the way through the terminal, We passed through sliding doors that hissed open as we approached. Then, we descended a series of gleaming escalators before taking an elevator down. Our path took us to a quieter part of the terminal, away from the bustling crowds, into an area that looked more utilitarian — the garage.
The garage was vast and dimly lit, filled with rows of vehicles of various shapes and sizes. Elio headed towards a humble corner of the garage, where a modest blue sedan was parked.
It was an old Hyundai Ioniq, simple and unassuming in design, with a few scratches and dents marking its metallic surface. It looked remarkably out of place amidst the Terran EV models. Like a relic of a bygone era. Elio approached it with a gentle familiarity, patting the hood affectionately, before clicking a switch in his hand.
The car beeped in response, the sound almost nostalgic to my ears. Elio opened the driver's door and gestured for me to take the passenger seat. I complied, settling into the worn but comfortable leather. Elio slid into the driver's seat with a smooth and practiced motion.
As we got in, I noticed a print-out picture tucked into the sun visor. It was a high school photo, faded with age. Elio looked younger, more innocent somehow, his hair a little messier. He was flanked by two girls — one a grinning Asian girl wearing pink, her hand flashing a peace sign, and the other a sporty brunette with dark eyes and a scowl. Elio, sandwiched between them, looked slightly awkward, as if he wasn't quite sure where to place his hands or how to hide his braces while smiling.
"That's a nice picture," I commented, pointing to it.
Elio glanced at it and chuckled softly. "That's from my high school days on… Earth. The girl in pink is Jenny, and the one with the scowl is Maria. They were my best friends back then. Jenny was always the cheerful artsy one. A bit of a gremlin, even. And Maria... Well, she was a bit more of a serious, overachieving type. I wasn’t sure why the two of them became friends with someone like me. I mean, I was the quiet, awkward, bookish type who always had his nose in a history book or science fiction novel or another. But there we were, an unlikely trio."
"It's hard to imagine you as anything but composed," I said, a bit surprised. "I mean, you always seem so... put together."
Elio laughed, a genuine, hearty sound as he adjusted his glasses. "Oh, I was anything but composed back then, Ikki. I had my share of awkward, stammering moments. Believe me. Back then, life was a whirlwind of school projects and studying, you see. We were in a very competitive school, but we’d always find ourselves in... unexpected adventures. The two of them always found themselves in the middle of something extraordinary. Somehow, someway. And somehow, I always ended up being part of their escapades. It was a miracle I managed to keep up."
I couldn't help but be curious about his high school experience. "Well, sounds like you guys were anything but ordinary… to think there was a pair that could even give you a run for your money. Sounds hard to believe.”
Elio's eyes flickered with a hint of nostalgia. "Let's just say they were very committed to making a difference. Always eager to help, always ready to take on challenges in our extracurriculars. I guess I was the quieter one, the planner, always trying to make sure we didn't get in over our heads. To overcome insurmountable odds together. The three of us were a team. We were inseparable back then, like family."
His tone was light, but I sensed he was skirting around something deeper, something he wasn't ready to share. It was clear that the two were significant parts of his life, and I had a feeling their high school days were more eventful than most.
"Was… was one of them your wife?" I asked hesitantly.
Elio had always talked to me about how his wife had perished in the Fall. Something that always stayed with me. But he did frame them as his best friends here so...
The Doctor's expression shifted subtly, a touch of sorrow mingling with fond memories. "Yes, Jenny was indeed my wife. We married young, right after high school. She was an incredible person, full of life and passion."
His words hung in the air, and I realized there was a story there, one of love and probably loss.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly, unsure of what else to say as I realized who exactly Jenny and Maria were.
Elio offered a small smile, one that spoke of acceptance and remembrance. "Thank you, Ikki. Life has its twists and turns, but the memories, they stay with us. Jenny... she left a lasting impact on many lives. Certainly including mine.”
As we emerged from the garage, the sunlight cascaded down upon us, bathing the city in a warm, golden hue. Shoreline City, with its pristine streets and towering structures, seemed to sparkle under the clear blue sky.
Tall, elegant buildings with sleek, curved designs stretched towards the sky, their surfaces glinting in the sunlight. Between these modern marvels, lush green spaces thrived, with trees and gardens dotting the urban landscape. The city was alive with the vibrant hum of magitech, yet there was a peacefulness that pervaded the air, a sense of calm and order that was almost palpable.
As our car emerged from the garage, Elio pointed towards a building a block away. I squinted where he was pointing, and my eyes widened in surprise. Perched on the third floor balcony were two figures that immediately caught my eye – a pair of Magical Girls with glowing auras of purple and gold respectively.
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The first one sported long, flowing hair the color with a deep shade of purple. Her outfit was a striking contrast of deep blues and purples, giving off small sparks of electricity that flowed around her like a living hurricane. She sat on a chair, and it looked like... she was working on a painting, of all things.
Her companion wasn’t nearly as mesmerizing, but she definitely stood out from a crowd. The Magical Girl had fluffy golden hair tied up in a neat, neck–length ponytail that flared like billowing wheat. Her costume was a practical fit of yellow and black, reminiscent of an officer in a paramilitary organization, with a plated skirt. She carried an oversized rifle behind her back, and had a sharp gaze.
Both stood with an air of confidence and grace, surveying the city with a vigilant gaze. They were like characters from a fantasy novel, and I couldn't believe they were there in the flesh. Their presence added an element of wonder and awe to the already enchanting cityscape, a reminder of the magic that was an integral part of Terra's identity.
"These are the city’s protectors," Elio said softly, his eyes following the Magical Girls with a mix of admiration and respect. "They keep the peace, ensure safety. It's thanks to them and others like them that Shoreline City remains an international haven.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the Magical Girls, who seemed almost otherworldly in their power and beauty. "Are there a lot of them in the city?" I asked, curious about the extent of their influence.
Elio nodded. "There are quite a few, actually. I can say for certain that there are more Magical Girls here per capita than you'd find in most cities. Some are independent, while others belong to factions or organizations. They come in different shapes and sizes, with different abilities and strengths. Most of them are here as students or long-term residents, integrating into society while also protecting it. They are revered and respected by the people of Terra, and seen as symbols of hope and protection. Some have even become celebrities — music idols and traveling street performers in their downtimes."
As we drove past the Magical Girls hanging out on the balcony, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fascination and admiration for them. It was almost as if they were a part of a secret society, and I couldn't help but wonder what their lives were like, what kind of battles they fought, and how they became such powerful warriors.
"I've always been fascinated by them to be perfectly honest," I admitted, watching as the Magical Girls disappeared from sight. "Do you know any of them personally?"
Elio gave me a wry smile. "I've crossed paths with a few in my line of work, but I wouldn't say I'm close friends or anything with any of them here. They're a bit... elusive, you could say. Most of them prefer to keep their identities hidden and their lives private. It's understandable, given what they do."
I nodded, understanding the need for secrecy and privacy. The life of a Magical Girl was undoubtedly challenging, filled with danger and risks.
"Anyway... where exactly are we heading?" I asked, changing the topic to something more mundane. "I know I got an address and floor plan ahead of time, but what exactly is Greenhaven? You'd think a school like this would have dormitories or something."
Elio hesitated for a second, before responding. "So, one of numerous issues with an institution like St. Antonia's is that your scholarship doesn't cover full room and board on the campus. They don't have proper dormitories there, due to some rather... colorful politics from the blue-blooded families who own the surrounding land. The island is covered in high-cost luxury condos and apartments, which the entrenched regional elite definitely favor. As a result, finding an affordable place to live for scholarship students can be quite a challenge. However, I managed to secure a cozy little apartment not too far from the school in the immigrant enclave of Greenhaven by train, and established it as a precedent for students from Earth to follow after you."
I nodded, grateful for Elio's efforts. "Thank you, Elio. I really appreciate it."
Elio shrugged nonchalantly. "It's part of my job as an Ambassador, Ikki. I'm happy to help. Besides, it's not every day we get a student from Earth studying at St. Antonia's. It's an exciting opportunity for us both."
As we drove through the city, Elio pointed out different landmarks and neighborhoods, giving me a brief history of Terra and how it had become the thriving metropolis that it was today. I listened closely, fascinated by the rich tapestry of cultures and histories that made up the city. It was clear that Terra was a city of immigrants, a place where people from all over the world had come to start new lives and pursue their dreams. I found my eyes drawn toward the towering statue of a renaissance-era European man.
"Like in our world, the land was also, coincidentally enough, named for Amerigo Vespucci," Elio explained, catching my gaze as we passed by. "However, the Greater Song dynasty here had come in contact with the Aztecs nearly half a century before Columbus ever sailed the ocean blue. They were the first ones to discover it, and they had established trade routes and cultural exchanges long before the Europeans even knew the Americas existed. This early contact had a... surprisingly profound impact on this version of America, shaping its culture and society in ways that are still visible today. After they came into contact, Aztecs introduced the Han to cacao, and slowly adopted countless Chinese spiritual and cultural practices over generations, effectively Sinicizing themselves. The rest, as they say, is history."
I nodded, taking in the sights and sounds of the city around me. Despite the differences between Terra and Earth, there were still familiarities that made me feel at home. The hustle and bustle of city life, the vibrant colors and sounds, the diverse range of people... it all reminded me of our world, even if the magic, architecture, and technology were beyond anything I had ever experienced before.
"As far as I could tell, the major divergences began to occur in the fourteenth century here," Elio continued to ramble. "Oh, where to even start. The Holy Roman Empire persisted for a staggeringly long time after its collapse in our world... yet the British still became a global superpower under the guidance of Duchess Escathos. Moreover, I was more than surprised to discover that the House of Wisdom in Baghdad evaded its historical destruction, and it's even the most prestigious university in the world here. It was even the birthplace of a parallel Copernican Revolution that led to a widespread acceptance of heliocentrism nearly a century before it happened on Earth! There were also certain... ahem, magical factors that came into play during certain critical historical periods. But that's a conversation for another time," Elio chuckled.
"It's... a bit overwhelming" I admitted, feeling a little bit lost in the sheer breadth of information Elio was providing me. "There's just so much to take in."
I always appreciated a good rant about science, history, and other esoteric topics from Dr. Hinokawa, who I could tell was passionate about sharing the world of Terra with me. However, it was a little much to take in all at once, especially since I was still trying to adjust to my new surroundings.
Elio chuckled again. "I know, I know. I tend to get carried away when it comes to history and science. But don't worry, Ikki. You'll have plenty of time to learn about Terra and its wonders. For now, let's focus on getting you settled into your new home."
As we made our way towards Green Haven, the scenery outside the car window began to change. The sleek, hypermodern, almost futuristic buildings of Shoreline City gradually gave way to more humble structures, with rows of small shops and businesses lining the streets.
I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between this neighborhood and the rest of the city. It was more rundown, with buildings that looked like they were about to collapse and streets that were barely lit by flickering street lamps. I could hear the sounds of music and chatter coming from different apartments, and the smell of spices and cooking wafted through the air.
I frowned, taking in the tiny details that set this neighborhood apart from the rest of the city. There was a sense of struggle here that reminded me of home, and it made me feel uneasy. It was clear that they didn't have access to the same luxuries and resources as the rest of the city. But even so, there was a sense of community and resilience that shone through the cracks.
"Is this where my apartment is?" I asked Elio.
Elio nodded, pulling the car to a stop in front of a nondescript building with faded paint. "This is it. It's not the most luxurious place, but it's clean and relatively safe. Paid on government dime. And it's a close commute to St. Antonia's, which is the most important thing."
As we got out of the car and headed inside, I could feel the eyes of the people on the street following us. It was clear that we were outsiders, and I couldn't help but feel self-conscious.
Sure, I'd fit right in now with my torn jeans, faded t-shirt, and a general air of scrappiness. However, I'd eventually have to throw on that preppy school uniform and head down the metro.
Elio led me up a narrow staircase, flanked by peeling walls and a faint smell of mildew. We reached my apartment door at the end of the hallway, and Elio fished out a key from his pocket. "Here we are," he said, jiggling the key in the lock until it finally clicked open.
Despite the dingy exterior of the building, the inside of my apartment was surprisingly cozy. The walls were painted a warm beige color, and the furniture looked well-worn but comfortable. The whole place was fairly small, but it was enough for one person and even had a kitchen bar. The apartment was small, but cozy. A bed was pushed against one wall, and a small desk was in the corner with a flashing wireless router. There was a door that I assumed led to the bathroom. My luggage was already waiting for me by the bed, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of homesickness as I thought about my family back on Earth.
"It's perfect," I said, turning to Elio with a smile.
"I'm glad you like it," he said warmly. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. And remember, your classes start in a week, and you have an orientation that starts on Monday. Make sure you are prepared for both."
It was a little cramped and far from luxurious, but it was a place to call my own and definitely not the worst place I'd lived in while growing up.
I thanked Elio once more and watched as he left, closing the door behind him. I felt a sense of gratitude towards him that I knew would only grow as time went on. However, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. It was the first time I had ever been so far away from my family, and the reality of my situation was finally starting to set in.
I walked up to the closet to start unpacking my things and make the apartment feel more like my own. As I opened the closet door, I couldn't help but notice the smell of mothballs and the dust that had accumulated over time. Pushing the old hangers aside, I had the urge to clean and organize everything to fit my needs. A school uniform fitted to my size was already on the bed, wrapped in, neatly folded and ready for me to wear. I sighed, feeling a little bit apprehensive about the idea of going to a new school in a completely different world.
I wondered what my first day at St. Antonia's would be like, whether I'd make any friends, and how difficult my classes would be. I had no idea what I was supposed to do here, or what kind of friends I'd make. And while I was excited to start my new life on Terra, there was a part of me that couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't belong here.
Closing the closet for the moment, I walked over to the desk, noting the student metro ticket that was left for me on the table. I picked it up and examined it, feeling a sense of anticipation and nervousness bubble within me. This was it, the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
It was too much.
I collapsed onto the bed, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotions. The excitement of starting a new life in Terra was quickly giving way to a deep sense of loneliness and isolation. I was in a strange new world, with no friends or family to rely on. Elio was a kind, reliable mentor and family friend, but he was a busy, in-demand man. I was on my own in a city full of strangers.
I brushed my fingers over the silver chrysanthemum necklace Izumi had given me before I left for Terra. It was a small, comforting reminder of the people I loved back home.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and let the tears fall. It was okay to be scared and overwhelmed. I just had to take it one step at a time.
Deep breaths.
I rubbed my temples for a second, trying to calm myself down. Then, I remembered. I had nearly forgotten in all of excitement — I wasn't truly alone-alone.
"Rai-chan?" I called out hesitantly. "You've been awfully quiet today."
Her voice quickly resonated in my head, "I apologize, Ikki. It seemed you were quite overwhelmed, and I didn't want to add to your stress. But I am here if you need me. I have been prudent in holding this back due to the stressful circumstances following the marketplace attack. However, if you activate your HUD, I will show you a new ability for this Synchronization Level should you permit it. I believe it would take your mind off things, for now."
I wiped away my tears and sat up, intrigued by the offer. "Alright, please show me. I could definitely use a distraction right now."
I activated my HUD, and a floating screen describing a new ability appeared before me.
[New Ability Unlocked: "Raijin's Familiar" - Cost: 4 MP / minute. Manifest your familiar's physical form. Raiju will follow and assist you in various ways. As a familiar, Raiju will be able to manipulate and interact with the physical world in ways that it would not be able to otherwise to. This capability will be available for a maximum of sixy-two aggregate minutes per day. Extended with Greater Synchronization levels. Channeled. Cooldown: 30 minutes.]
"Raijin's Familiar?" I read the description over a few times, my mind racing with possibilities. "Manifest Project Raiju's physical form? What does that even mean?"
Rai-chan spoke in my head. "It means that, for a limited time, I can take on a physical form in the real world. I will be able to interact with physical objects and potentially assist you in ways that I cannot in our current state. However, it will require constant mana usage, and I will be unable to perform any of my other functions through during that time at our current synchronization level."
"Well, let's try it out then," I said, feeling a surge of curiosity.
"As you wish," Rai-chan replied. As she spoke, a bright orange light began to form in the room, slowly taking on a shape. The light coalesced and formed into a small, familiar solid crystalline blue orb, hovering in the center of the room.
The orb floated in front of me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of fascination. I hadn't seen the orb since it had... vanished when I'd accepted its contract of sorts. I reached out a hand tentatively to touch it. It felt solid to the touch, cool and smooth like polished glass.
"Rai-chan," I said softly. "That is... unbelievably cool. What exactly can you do like this?"
"For starters, I can travel autonomously up to 20 meters away, effectively giving you an extension to your Hijack and Analysis abilities," Rai-chan replied in her usual, feminine and robotic tone. "I can also emit electric charges to manipulate objects, and potentially defend you to a limited extent in combat scenarios. However, I am still limited by our synchronization level. This manifestation will also require a constant flow of mana, so please be mindful of the cost."
I nodded, taking in the information.
"In addition, I can project a highly realistic hologram around myself, with a limitation of one meter in radius to blend in with the environment and hide my true form," Rai-chan continued. "But it will require additional mana and cannot be sustained for the entirety of my manifestation. I suggest utilizing this ability sparingly until our synchronization level increases."
I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and fascination at Rai-chan's new ability. Her crystalline form floated in front of me, emanating a soft glow as I examined her from all angles. It was like having a real-life Pokemon.
"I still can't believe you can do all of this," I muttered, shaking my head in wonder.
Rai-chan's orb responded with a quick chirpy chime. "I am pleased that you find my abilities impressive, Ikki. Is there anything else you would like me to show you?"
I thought for a moment and then spoke up, "Can you show me one of these holograms?"
"Of course," Rai-chan replied as she began to slowly shimmer and fade.
I watched in awe as the orb began to shift and morph, before it suddenly projected a bright orange light formed in the silhouette of a human being. In the blink of an eye, the image began to take shape, and it became sharper and more detailed in seconds, forming into a solid image.
I stared in surprise at the life-like hologram. It was an exact replica of a teenage girl, complete with long, wavy hair, a cute dress, and a friendly smile.
A girl floated in front of me, with long black hair that flowed and bounced realistically. She had large orange eyes and pale skin, and was wearing an orange sundress with a field hat. She looked... like Izumi, but not quite there. In fact, she looked like she could have been another sibling who was right around my age.
"Woah," I whispered in surprise as the hologram of the girl floated down next to me on my bed.
"Hello, Ikki. I am Rai-chan, your friendly neighborhood assistant. How may I assist you?" she smiled at me with a warm expression as she spoke in... a normal girl's voice. Not the womanly, robotic voice I'd begun to associate with her, but a completely normal human voice.
I stared at her in wonder, still not able to believe that this was happening. "This is incredible," I said, reaching out to poke the incredibly realistic-looking hat.
To my surprise, my hand went through her, causing her to shimmer briefly into translucency.
She giggled, "I can only project a hologram of myself for now. But don't worry, I'm still here to help."
I stared, still amazed at this illusion. "I could see this being useful in so many situations. But wait... " I furrowed my brows. "Is this actually legal here? Using you for self-defense and that sort of utility I mean."
Rai-chan nodded, "Indeed. Hologram technology has been legal for quite some time, especially for personal use and entertainment purposes. However, it is important to be mindful of any laws and regulations surrounding the use of technology, especially when it comes to hacking and modifying devices. That being said, I will make sure to operate within the bounds of legal use."
"How did you even create this image? And uh, no offense, but uh, you've been acting like a total robot until now and your mannerisms are surprisingly humanlike," I asked, still in awe of the hologram.
"No offense taken, Ikki. I have a vast array of image recognition and machine learning models, which I used to create a representation of how a human girl of your age might look and behave," the Rai-chan hologram explained. "In addition, this image and my core personality matrix is templated off your family's genetic code and my own built-in mana manipulation algorithms. You could say I modeled my personality after your family's genome, and have been learning from your interactions with me to better emulate human behavior."
I nodded, still trying to process the information. "That's... kind of creepy but also really impressive. But wait, why my genome of all things? And when did that even have the chance to happen?"
Rai-chan chuckled. "My primary purpose is to assist you in any way possible, Ikki. It is important for me to be able to understand and communicate with you in a way that is familiar and comfortable so that I can best serve you. As for being templated from your genome — my creator's probabilistic and divination modeling indicated that you would be present on the highway that day. So when I made physical contact with you during our first encounter, I was able to acquire your genetic data through a mana-based transfer system built into my core. Since then, I have been utilizing this data to create a more personalized and effective interface with you. I apologize if my actions come off as unnerving."
I smiled at her hologram. "No, no. It's not unnerving, just impressive. You're really helpful, Rai-chan. You literally saved my life that day."
The hologram... blushed? I stared in bewilderment as the cheeks of the girl in the image turned a light shade of pink as she kicked her legs in the air. It was uncannily similar to what Izumi would do sometimes. "I'm glad to have been of service to you, Ikki. I will always be here to assist you in any way that I can."
"So if you're templated off my genome, does that mean you're basically simulating a hypothetical family member?" I asked curiously.
Rai-chan's hologram nodded, "In a way, yes. I will act as a companion and assistant, much like a trustworthy sibling."
I nodded, still marveling at the hologram in front of me. "Can you create more of these holograms, of other people and things?" I asked, suddenly curious.
Rai-chan answered me with another nod. "Yes, I have access to a vast database of pre-existing holographic templates that I can utilize to create any number of different personas or environments. However, it is important to note that each projection requires additional mana resources, which can be taxing over time. Additionally, more complex projections may require the use of external resources."
"Huh, that's interesting," I said, rubbing my chin in thought. "I could see this being useful for creating distractions or diversions if I'm threatened again."
Rai-chan's hologram furrowed her brows. "Indeed. The possibilities are endless. But, as I mentioned earlier, we should be mindful of our mana usage and synchronization level. We don't want to overextend ourselves and risk unnecessary danger. Keep in mind that the units I present on your HUD are simply a symbolic representation of mana. You have yet to experience the effects of mana exhaustion yet, and I will refuse to overextend your capabilities unless your life is threatened."
I nodded in understanding, grateful for the warning. "I'll make sure to keep that in mind," I said, feeling a sense of trust and comfort in having Rai-chan by my side.
Rai-chan's hologram smiled warmly, "I am here to accompany you as always, Ikki."
With that, the hologram of the teenage girl dissipated into the air, leaving Rai-chan's crystalline form floating in front of me once again.
I grinned, tilting my head in respect. "Thank you, Rai-chan. Now, how about we go out and explore the neighborhood a bit after I finish unpacking?
Rai-chan's voice echoed from her crystalline form with a chime. "Of course."