The afternoon passed in a blur, with Dior and I staying together to attend the campus tours and various orientation activities. It was standard stuff: meeting with key faculty, learning about emergency resources, brochures with overviews of the various teams and clubs, and other student organizations.

The campus was now bathed in the pink and orange light of the setting sun, casting long shadows over the manicured lawns and grandiose buildings of the school. The air was beginning to turn chilly now, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the perfectly trimmed trees that lined the walkways.

As we made our way out of yet another lecture hall, I couldn't help but notice the glances and whispers directed our way. Word had spread about our confrontation with Caroline, and the entire student body was buzzing with rumors and speculation. One thing was for sure — our fellow students had given us a wide berth since the encounter. It had been… just the two of us for most of the day. I felt a twinge of anxiety, wondering if I had just made us a powerful enemy.

I'd run through the scenario several times over, and I just couldn't stop thinking about it. Maybe I'd been too aggressive and accusatory. Maybe I should've swallowed my pride and found a way to de-escalate further. There was just something about being talked down to by a haughty, aristocratic girl that set me off in all the worst ways. It was a type of person I hadn't had to deal with much in life, and she rubbed me in all the wrong. Although I'd stood my ground, I was in full flight or fight mode and could have handled it better. As someone who'd treasured what little I'd ever had, I'd been furious at her for callously burning someone's guitar like that.

I should have known better… I should have known she would never have backed down when I challenged her in front of a mob of students like that. The thoughts rang through my head as we continued to stroll through the walkways.

"Dior," I said, breaking the silence. "Do… do you think I made things worse with Caroline? With whatever went on with the girl she was harassing?"

Dior glanced at me, her expression thoughtful. "Perhaps in some ways," she admitted. "But this one believes that standing up to her was important. She needed to see that not everyone would bow to her will. And Dior gets the sense she lashed out in a fit of passion in both cases. She may come to realize her mistake and try to make amends."

I nodded, feeling slightly reassured. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I just hope it doesn't make things harder for us here."

Dior shrugged cryptically, "This one has dealt with far worse. Caroline is a mere petulant child in comparison."

Again, I stared at her, surprised by her subtle, introverted eccentricity and unique personality. There was a lot about Dior that was quirky, to say the least. They way she'd rejected my sandwiches and then enthusiastically taken them when she was hungry was puzzling. On top of that, her surface-level indifference had also masked a surprisingly strong sense of empathy and justice, which came out in full force when we'd confronted Caroline. Dior was an enigma, and I was glad to befriend her today.

"Hey, so anyway, I think that campus map overview was the last thing we had left for today," I said, changing the subject to something lighter. "Do you have any plans after? I was thinking of checking out the city a bit more."

Dior frowned, pouting cutely for a moment before shaking her head. "Dior has to stay for a special orientation. It is mandatory for all new students in her program. This one apologizes, Ikki."

I felt a pang of disappointment. I had hoped we could spend more time exploring together, especially after our intense day.

"Ah, that's alright," I said, trying to mask my frown. "I guess I'll head back to my apartment then. Maybe we could check out the city together another time."

Dior nodded, a faint look of apology crossing her face. "This one wishes she could join you. But duty calls. This is… the most important event of her orientation."

I understood, of course. We were both here on scholarships, and that came with its own set of responsibilities and expectations. I was set up to meet with the Robotics team and the Magitech club when school opened up for classes, after all.

"No worries," I said with a smile. "We'll have plenty of time to hang out, I'm sure. Just text me when you're done, okay?"

Dior gave a small nod. "Thank you, Ikki."

As we parted ways, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness. The day had been intense and emotional, and having Dior by my side had been a major comfort. I was still reeling from my encounter with Caroline, but I was also ecstatic. I was finally starting a new chapter in my life, one where I had the opportunity to grow, learn, and make something of myself.

With an exasperated and tired sigh, I walked across the bridge to the subway station, preparing to return to my little enclave. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the city, turning the buildings into silhouettes against the orange sky. The day had been long and eventful, and I was eager to return to my apartment and process everything that had happened.

As I descended into the subway, my mind replayed the day's events. Getting singled out by Duchess Escathos… the confrontation with Caroline, the whispers and stares from the other students, and spending all day with Dior. It all felt surreal, like a dream I was just waking up from. It had all left me feeling jittery and vulnerable.

I meandered around the platform for a few minutes, pacing around as I saw the lesser 'gentry' walking around the station. The people that didn't have a nice condo or villa set aside for them above. I wasn't the only one commuting, but there was something different about the way they carried themselves. Whatever 'gentry' left that was left on Earth was always easy to spot, and the Terrans weren't too different. They strutted about like they owned the place, and generally had better teeth and skin.

I shook my head, pushing those awful thoughts away. I didn't want to be bitter or judgmental of others based on their social status. I was here to make something of myself, and I couldn't do that if I was constantly lamenting my own 'otherness'.

I shivered, feeling a chilly draft rip through the station as it began to rumble, signifying that a train was approaching.

Suddenly, the frilly, pink Magical Girl from this morning appeared on the screens again with a twirl. She winked at the camera, blowing a kiss that morphed into a red heart at the audience.

"Hello again, Shoreline City!" she chirped, her voice as bright and cheerful as ever. "What a day it's been, huh? But remember, no matter how tough things get, always keep your head up and your heart strong! Friends are the family we choose, and they're always there for us, no matter what. So take a moment to appreciate them, okay? You never know when they'll make your day a whole lot better!"

Her words struck a chord with me, especially after everything that had happened today. I found myself smiling despite the exhaustion and the whirlwind of emotions.

She was right. Friends really did make a world of difference.

As the train pulled up, I boarded and found a seat near the window, gazing out at the passing scenery without really seeing it. The Magical Girl's words echoed in my head, mixing with my thoughts and feelings.

I thought about my father, my sister, and the life I had left behind on Earth. I wondered how Izumi was doing — she was always the type to act out, but she was twelve now, and I couldn't be the overprotective big brother forever.

I missed them both. I already missed the warmth of our small home, even with its creaky floors and leaky faucets. But this was for them, this chance at making it. A shot at a better future for us.

The train began to clack rhythmically against the tracks, and my mind drifted to the literal whirlwind of events today. I couldn't help but be paranoid that the Duchess had designs for me. Possibly all the students in that room. There was something about her that just gave off an air of omniscience and power. I'd have thought that a couple of snot-nosed brats like us would be beneath her notice, but it seemed like she had information about almost any kid who was remotely notable in that room.

Then, there was the raven-haired beauty named Caroline. The image of Caroline, her magic swirling around her in a tempest of fury, was etched firmly into my memory. The raw emotion in her voice when she shouted at us, the pain and anger that seemed to fuel her every word, was terrifying. I genuinely surprised myself when I stood my ground against her.

Then there was Dior. Mysterious, aloof Dior, who had stood by my side through it all. There was a depth to her that I couldn't quite grasp, a story hidden behind those suspicious green eyes. I found myself wanting to know more about her.

The guarded way she spoke about herself in the third person, the way she stood by me against Caroline — it all painted a picture of someone who'd seen too much, too soon. I wondered what her story was and the paths she had taken to lead her here. How we'd wound up in the same place at the same time.

But one thing was clear — she was strong, stronger than most people I'd met.

I watched the city lights flicker by, the train humming beneath me, carrying me back towards my new home. The train slowed as it approached Greenhaven station, and I stood up, stretching my tired muscles.

Stepping onto the platform, I took a deep breath of the crisp night air. A fog had begun to settle over the city, casting a soft, eerie glow on the streets of Greenhaven. It was a fitting end to a day that felt like a scene from a movie - full of drama, confrontation, and unexpected friendships.

I frowned, taking in the empty streets. It was only a bit past 5 P.M., and the streets were eerily quiet, almost deserted. I wasn't a longtime resident or anything, but it felt unusual for Greenhaven to be this empty at this time of the evening. The fog added to the sense of isolation, muffling the usual sounds of the city. I felt a shiver run down my spine from the cold, and a sense of unease crept up on me.

Pulling my jacket tighter around me, I started walking towards my apartment, my footsteps echoing on the pavement. The fog thickened with each step, swirling around me like a living thing. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched.

"Rai-chan, you seeing this?" I thought, activating my HUD to scan the area. "Something feels off."

"Yes, Ikki," Rai-chan's voice sounded as calm as ever. "Environmental analysis indicates an unusually dense fog for this time of year. No threats detected."

I quickened my pace, eyes scanning the shadowy outlines of buildings and alleys. The fog played tricks on my vision, making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead. Every little noise seemed amplified in the foggy silence, and I found myself jumping at every creak or rustle. I cursed myself for not taking the subway all the way home. Maybe it was my overactive imagination, but every step seemed to bring me closer to the edge.

I turned the corner onto my street, and to my relief, I could see the glow of my apartment's lights in the distance. As I neared my apartment, the fog began to lift slightly, allowing me to see more of my surroundings. The quiet was still oppressive, but at least I could see now. I reached my building and quickly entered, the increasingly familiar smell of old wood and musty carpet greeting me. I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

Once inside my apartment, I locked the door behind me and leaned against it, closing my eyes for a moment. I took a deep breath, letting my heart rate calm down for a moment.

I opened my eyes and looked around my modest apartment. It wasn't much, but it was mine. A small kitchenette, a worn-out sofa, a table with a small television littered with my various books gifted to me by family friends over the years, notes, and a single window that overlooked the city.

I pulled out my phone and opened the bank app to check my balance. The reality of my financial situation hit me again. I needed to make every credit count to survive here on Terra. I couldn't afford to be reckless or wasteful.

I tossed my phone onto the sofa and made my way to the kitchenette. I was starving and still had two extra sandwiches from last night.

"Eat to live, not live to eat..." I muttered to myself, unwrapping a sandwich.

It wasn't much, but it was food... and like the apartment, it was mine. I heated it up quietly before turning to a particularly important box I'd left out for tonight.

Our painfully inflated dollar-based life savings more or less amounted to two cores from Baron-class Chaos Beasts.

The cores sat there, gleaming faintly in an open box in the dim light of my apartment. They were about the size of a large apple, each with a swirling, misty center that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The outer shell was a mixture of iridescent hues, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. These were Chaos Cores, remnants of the Chaos Beasts that had once invaded Earth in overwhelming numbers before the Terrans came through the portals to help.

I picked one up, feeling its smooth surface and the faint vibration of power within. These cores were more than just beautiful oddities; they were potent sources of mana, the lifeblood of magic in Terra. Scavenged from the fallen bodies of Chaos Beasts, they were highly sought after for their raw magical energy.

Chaos Beasts varied in rank, from the common 'Knave' class to the terrifying and city-threatening 'Duke' class. The ones I held were from 'Baron' class beasts - formidable but not the most dangerous. A class of monsters that shows up to lead packs during a Magnitude 1 Chaos Event. Still, they were valuable, and each core was worth its weight in gold. The two cores I had in front of me amounted to all the resources my family could spare to send me out here. I'd have work soon, but I knew I had to sell them soon. The funds Elio had set me up with wouldn't last long, and living in this city wasn't cheap.

Rai-chan's familiar voice rang in my head, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Perhaps it might be a good idea to get those traded in soon, Ikki."

"Yeah, I had the same thought," I replied. "Do you know what time the Mana Exchange downtown closes? I need to trade these Chaos Cores in for credits soon."

"The Mana Exchange at the Aetherium Market closes at 8 PM. It's currently 5:33 PM. You have sufficient time to reach it and exchange your cores if you leave shortly."

"Thanks, girl," I replied, feeling a mix of relief and urgency. The Aetherium Market was the go-to place for all things magical and arcane in Shoreline City. It was where mana artifacts, spell components, and, of course, Chaos Cores were traded. I'd heard stories about it from Jae and Dr. Hinokawa, but this would be my first visit.

I quickly finished my sandwich, my mind racing about how much the cores would fetch and how to budget the credits.

With a determined sigh, I grabbed my backpack and stashed the Chaos Cores safely inside, wrapped in a cloth. These cores were more than just valuable items; they represented my hard-earned efforts, the dangers I had faced, and my family's hopes. I knew I'd be getting screwed on the exchange rates, but it was a fact I had to face.

Shaking off the feeling, I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door. The streets of Greenhaven were still foggy and eerily empty, and the fog seemed to wrap around the buildings like a ghostly blanket. It almost seemed to muffle the sounds of the city and cast strange, shifting shadows on the pavement. Every step I took felt heavier, like pushing through an invisible barrier.

I shivered, pulling my jacket tighter around me. The foggy streets of Greenhaven felt like they were straight out of a noir film, mysterious and slightly ominous. I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder every few steps, half-expecting to see a shadowy figure following me.

"Rai-Chan, you're sure this is a completely normal fog, right?"

"Yes, Ikki," Rai-chan's voice echoed in my mind, her tone as calm and flat as ever. "Atmospheric analysis confirms it's a typical fog for this region. However, rest assured that I will remain vigilant for any anomalies or threats."

Reassured but still uneasy, I continued down the fog-enshrouded streets, the cool mist clinging to my skin. The silence was unsettling.

Streetlights flickered dimly through the mist, casting long, ghostly shadows across the empty streets. In the back of my mind, a nagging thought kept surfacing — what if something was out there, hidden in the fog? I tried to shake off the feeling, telling myself it was just the eeriness of the fog playing tricks on my mind.

I reached the subway station, and the descent into the underground offered me a brief respite from the misty world above. The station's fluorescent lights starkly contrasted with the dim, foggy streets, and the bustle of people around me on an active train was a welcome return to normalcy.

As the train arrived, I boarded and found a seat by the window, watching as the station blurred past, and I returned the way I came. I yawned and stretched, letting my thoughts wander as the train sped along its track. Soon, it passed under St. Antonia Island and headed into downtown Shoreline City.

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I frowned, taking out my phone as I checked the time. It was just a few minutes past 6 PM, and I briefly wondered if Dior was free yet. I hesitated, then sent her a quick text:

"Hey Dior, just checking in. Hope your program orientation is going well. I'm heading to the Aetherium Market to exchange some Chaos Cores. Let me know when you're done. Maybe we can grab a late dinner or something."

Tucking my phone away, I leaned back in my seat, watching as the subway ascended above ground and began approaching the heart of Shoreline City. The Aetherium Market loomed in the distance, a sprawling complex of buildings and stalls that promised an endless array of magical goods. I felt my heart race with excitement and apprehension. This was my first real foray into the magical world of Terra, and I wasn't sure what to expect.

The train slowed as it approached the downtown station. I stood up, feeling the familiar rush of excitement mixed with apprehension that always came with exploring a new place. The tall buildings loomed over us, their lights casting an otherworldly glow on the fog. It was a sight to behold, and I felt a rush of excitement as the train glided into the downtown station.

As the doors slid open, I stepped out on a station directly in the bustling heart of Shoreline City. Neon signs and holographic displays lit up the evening, casting a kaleidoscope of colors against the darkened sky. The fog seemed to seep into every crack between the towering skyscrapers, giving the entire scene an ethereal quality. I made my way through the crowds, long coats, and brightly-colored jackets mingling together in a sea of humanity.

Downtown Shoreline was a vivid contrast to Greenhaven. The skyscrapers towered above, their glass and steel facades reflecting the vibrant lights of the city. People from all walks of life crowded the streets, their conversations a cacophony of different languages and dialects. Street vendors hawked their wares, offering everything from exotic foods to intricate magitech gadgets and smartphones from Earth. The air was filled with the smells of cooking and the distant hum of magical energy being channeled into various devices and spells that secured the area.

I took a moment to take it all in, feeling overwhelmed but exhilarated. This was the heart of Shoreline City, a melting pot of cultures, magic, and technology. It was so different from anything on Earth, yet there was a familiar rhythm to the chaos, a universal sense of life and energy.

"Which way to the Exchange, Rai-chan?" I muttered.

"Allow me to mark some waypoints on your HUD, Ikki," Rai-chan chirped.

I grinned as a pale white light appeared on my HUD, and a beacon rose to the sky. Having her around was way too convenient sometimes. Unbelievably so.

Following her directions, I walked through the crowded streets towards the Aetherium Market. The market was well-known, not just for its vast array of goods essential for spellcraft and magitech, but also for being a hub where charged crystals and scavenged Chaos Cores could be exchanged.

The market was a sprawling complex of stalls and shops, each offering a dazzling array of items. Glowing crystals, intricately carved talismans, and bottles of shimmering reagents were displayed next to expensive-looking gadgets with Knave and Baron cores embedded in them.

I navigated through the market, my eyes wide with wonder at the sheer variety of magical items on display. I paused at different stalls, marveling at items whose purpose and function I could only guess. I followed the path Rai-chan set for me out of the corner of my eye, gawking at the goods on display.

I was so distracted by the sights and sounds of the market that I didn't even notice when I slammed straight into someone. I stumbled back, a quick apology ready on my lips, but I immediately tripped over a small, uneven cobblestone.

I yelped in surprise, but as my legs left me, I felt a gentle hand grab my arm and palm my back, steadying me before I could hit the ground.

"Hey there! Do be more careful there… Are you alright?" a voice chided gently.

I looked up to see an older girl staring down at me curiously. She had some of the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen. Ocean blue eyes and long, pale white hair that cascaded down her shoulders in waves. Her skin was the color of honey, and her features were soft, round, and elegant, like a statue carved by a master artist. There was a certain grace and femininity about her that was immediately noticeable. I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me as she supported my balance and pulled me to her feet.

"S-sorry," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up. "I wasn't looking where I was going."

She smiled a warm and understanding smile that completely eased my embarrassment. "It's alright. Happens to the best of us," she said, tilting her head with that same sunny smile.

"I'm Talia," the girl quickly introduced herself as she stared at my uniform. "Are you a first year at St. Antonia's?"

"Yeah, I am," I replied, recovering my composure. "My name is Ikazuchi."

I looked her over, taking in her appearance for the first time. She was an inch or two taller than me and wore a navy cardigan emblazoned with the St. Antonia's emblem. She wore a navy skirt that fell just above her knees, revealing a hint of shapely legs. On her feet were white sneakers. She was a picture of elegance and sophistication, yet there was an underlying sense of warmth and friendliness that drew me in. Her presence was calming, and her body language seemed earnest and genuine. She had an American urban accent with a faint Middle-Eastern lilt, adding to her unique and captivating aura.

"Oh, a first year? That's exciting," Talia said with a twinkle in her eye. "I'm a third year myself. We don't have orientation, so I'm here with my partner for some last-minute shopping. We got split up in the crowd, though."

"Must be nice being a third year, knowing your way around and all that," I said, feeling a bit out of my depth amidst the bustling market.

Talia laughed softly, "It has its perks, but every year brings its own challenges. You'll find your way soon enough. St. Antonia's can be overwhelming at first, but you'll get the hang of it."

There was a brief pause as I noticed her gaze drifting to the bruises on my face, still visible despite my attempts to hide them. I self-consciously touched my cheek, feeling a twinge of discomfort.

"Hey, are you okay?" Talia asked, her tone laced with concern. "I couldn't help but notice..."

I hesitated, then decided to be honest. "I got into a bit of trouble last week," I admitted. "But it's healing up fine. I'm from Earth, you know? Right across the portal. It's been a bit rough out there."

Talia's expression softened. "I'm sorry to hear that. If you ever need help or someone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out, okay? Here, why don't we swap contact information?"

"Sure, that would be great," I said, grateful for her kindness.

"Talia! There you are!"

I turned at the sound of a new voice, and my eyes landed on a girl striding towards us with purpose. She had shoulder-length black hair and blue eyes that sparkled with intensity. Her grin was mischievous, and she exuded an air of confidence that demanded attention. The girl wore a cardigan that matched Talia's, but she had a white crop top underneath, some form-fitting dark navy tech wear pants, and practical black combat boots beneath to match.

There was a sweet, tomboyish toughness about her, apparent in how she moved, with a sense of purpose and a hint of danger. It was almost as if she was daring anyone to mess with her. She exuded an almost palpable confidence, contrasting Talia's gentle, graceful demeanor.

"Hey babe," Talia greeted her with a bright smile and a giggle. "Seems like I found a lost first year."

The girl's gaze flicked to me, and she gasped.

For a moment, her confident demeanor faltered. Her eyes widened as if she'd seen something unbelievable, and all the color drained from her face. She dropped the small bag of goods, and the contents spilled onto the cobblestone floor. A wide array of emotions flashed across her face in an instant — surprise, confusion, and then something akin to disbelief.

"Hey, are you alright?" Talia's voice was concerned as she glanced between Midori and me.

She seemed to snap out of her trance, bending down to hastily gather her items. "I-I'm fine," she stammered, avoiding my gaze. "Just… sorry, I was surprised. Those are really some nasty bruises there. Like damn, did you get hit by a truck or something?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at her comment. "Something like that," I said, trying to play it off. "It's been a rough week."

She forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. She seemed to be struggling with something internally, but she quickly masked it with a tough exterior.

"Anyway, nice to meet you. Oh! My name's uh, Midori?" she said, extending a hand.

I took her hand, noting the roughness of her calloused palm. Her grip was firm, and her eyes finally met mine, but they had a guarded look.

"Name's Ikazuchi. But everyone calls me Ikki," I said, shaking her hand. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about the girl, wondering what had caused her sudden change in demeanor upon seeing me. However, I didn't want to pry or make things uncomfortable.

Talia glanced between Midori and me, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Midori here is my partner. We're just doing some shopping for school supplies."

Midori chuckled, regaining some of her composure. "Yeah, gotta get ready for the new term. Hey, you said you're going to St. Antonia's, right? What brings you to the Aetherium Market?"

"I'm here to exchange some Chaos Cores I have," I explained, feeling self-conscious about my errand.

Midori's eyebrows raised, and Talia looked impressed. "Chaos Cores? That's some serious business for a first-year student," Talia commented.

"Yeah, well, it's a long story," I said, shrugging slightly. "But I just crossed from Earth and I need some credits, so here I am. You guys don't exactly take dollars for tender here."

Midori gave me a once-over as if reassessing me.

"I can imagine," she said with a smirk. "Don't worry, we'll help you find what you need at the Exchange. We're practically experts in navigating this place."

"That would be amazing, thank you," I said, grateful for the offer.

Sure, Rai-chan had lit up the way for me, but it was an opportunity to make an acquaintance or friend or two.

We began to walk through the bustling market again, and Midori immediately began to pepper me with questions. "So, Ikki, what's it like on the other side of the portal these days?"

I had to think for a moment, trying to find the right words to describe my home. "It's... different, I guess," I said. "More chaotic, less magical, but it has its own charm. It's just… real, you know? Raw in a way that Terra isn't."

Midori nodded, her eyes still showing that mix of curiosity and something else I couldn't quite place. "Sounds tough, but interesting. Do you miss it?"

"I mean, I've been here for less than a week," I admitted. "I already feel a bit homesick, but I'm here for a reason. I want to help my dad and lock in a better future for my sister, you know?"

Talia smiled sadly at that, "That's a good attitude to have. It's never easy leaving your home — I didn't quite hop into a new world like you did, but I am quite far away from my family these days."

Midori grinned, "Family is important," she said with a surprisingly soft tone. "You're doing a great thing for yours. I sure as heck wish I could've done more. And hey, who knows? You might find a new family here. A home away from home, if you will."

I smiled, touched by her words. "I hope so. It'd be nice to fit in and have a place where I belong, you know?"

The conversation flowed naturally as we walked through the market. Talia and Midori shared stories about their experiences at St. Antonia's, offering me advice and insights.

Midori's questions never ceased, ranging from what urban cuisine from the USA tasted like to how we managed without magitech. Her curiosity was infectious, and I found myself opening up more than I usually would.

"So you're telling me you still don't have much magitech in your world?" Midori exclaimed, clearly fascinated.

I laughed. "Nope, not a single bit. We had regular cars and buses, and our phones only needed charging once a day. We just started to port that stuff over for real in recent years, starting with neg-entropy generators to suppress Chaos Events."

Midori shook her head in disbelief. "That's so weird. I can't imagine a world without magitech. It's like... I don't know, it's just so ingrained in everything we do."

Talia chimed in, "It's like when you're so used to something that it becomes a part of you. It's hard to imagine what life was like before it. I mean, the internet only became a thing here after it was brought over from Earth when we were little kids."

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's crazy to think about. But I guess that's what makes this whole experience so unique, right?"

We continued chatting for a while longer until we finally arrived at the Exchange. Talia led us through the busy crowds, expertly weaving through the throngs of people. She seemed to know everyone, greeting merchants and sellers with a smile and a nod.

Before I could realize it, we were standing in front of the Mana Exchange. The building was impressive, its facade adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes. The sign above the entrance glowed soft, inviting light, beckoning customers inside.

"Here we are," Talia said, gesturing towards the building. "The Mana Exchange. You should be able to get a good rate for your cores here."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness. "Thanks for guiding me here. I would've been lost for sure."

Midori chuckled. "No problem, Ikki. It's always nice to help out a fellow student. Especially a new one."

I reached into my backpack and carefully pulled out the cloth-wrapped Chaos Cores. The cores pulsed with a soft light, their energy almost tangible in the air around us.

"Ohh, those are Baron-class cores, aren't they?" Midori asked, her eyes wide with admiration as she leaned in curiously.

"Yup," I answered, "We had to scrounge and save a whole bunch to trade for these back home. My family barely clears two hundred thousand Terran credits' worth in our local currency on a good month, with me pitching in, so sending me here was a huge cost."

Talia whistled softly. "You must have worked hard for these. Well, just in case, I think we should accompany you inside. The Mana Exchange can be a bit overwhelming for first-timers."

Grateful for their company, I followed them into the building.

Midori's teasing questions buzzed around my head as we walked through the packed Mana Exchange, the air filled with the hushed conversations of dozens of vendors and customers lining up. She nudged me playfully, her eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and genuine interest.

"So, Ikki, got any special skills? Or are you just a regular ol' kid from Earth?"

I chuckled, feeling oddly comfortable with her prying. "Well, I'm pretty good with tech, and I've had some... unique experiences lately. My dad's a mechanic, and I've helped him with that sort of stuff since I was big enough to carry a wrench. It's like a second nature to me now."

Midori's eyes sparkled with more curiosity. "Unique experiences, huh? Like what?"

I hesitated for a second. "Oh, you know, the usual stuff. Fixing things, tinkering with gadgets. Nothing too out of the ordinary," I said, trying to keep it vague. "Maybe a run-in with a gang attack and a Magical Girl or two before I came over. But other than that, just a lot of studying and helping my dad out."

Midori raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my understated version of 'unique experiences .'"Right, because fixing cars, gang attacks, and run-ins with Magical Girls on Earth totally equals 'the usual stuff'," she said with a playful smirk. "You're holding out on me, Ikki boy. But that's okay, we've got plenty of time to get to know each other."

I couldn't help but laugh at Midori's gentle prying. "Okay, okay, you got me. It's a long story, but let's just say that my life hasn't exactly been normal lately."

Midori, honestly... reminded me a lot of my younger sister. Curious, full of life, and unafraid to speak her mind. She was easy to talk to, and I soon found myself telling her more about my life on Earth. About my mom, who had passed away when I was barely self-aware, and how it had affected my family. About my struggles with school and fitting in with my peers, and how my dad had always been the family bedrock, even when it was obvious he struggled so much.

When I finished, she reached out and squeezed my arm gently. "That sounds really tough, Ikki. You're a tough guy for getting through all of that, you know that?"

I shrugged, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "Thanks. I don't know if I'm that tough, though. I'm just doing what I can."

"Well, that's all anyone can do," Talia said, smiling reassuringly. "And hey, you don't have to do it alone. That's what friends are for? I mean, we've just met and all, but I like to think we're on our way there."

I smiled at her, feeling my heart swell with warmth. "Yeah, I think we are. Thanks, guys. It means a lot."

I yawned, realizing that I had been talking for a while now. We had just reached the center of the Mana Exchange, and I was amazed by how large and bustling it was. People were shouting out their wares or bargaining over prices in a rainbow of colors everywhere we looked.

Suddenly, a single man on my HUD lit up red, drawing my attention. He was standing a few feet away from us off the side, his hooded cloak obscuring his face, but his body language gave off a tense energy.

"Rai-chan, what's the deal?" I reached out mentally.

She paused for a second, "From what I can detect, the man is cloaked in some sort of magical energy. I've detected no life signs from him. Please run an [Analysis] on your current environment."

I frowned, noting the mana approximation on my HUD. I was down to 54% from all the times I'd used it today, so I needed to be careful. But I nodded at Rai-chan's suggestion and closed my eyes, calling up the [Analysis] function.

As the mana flowed around me, I could see a complex web of prismatic energy forming the Exchange and its various vendors.

And then, my HUD began to populate with a flurry of activity. It started gradually initially, but suddenly, my vision lit up with a flurry of red markers. I glanced around discreetly, trying not to draw attention to myself as Rai-chan labeled them rapidly. The people marked in red were giving off mana signatures but no life signs – something that was definitely not normal.

"Is something wrong?" Talia asked, noticing my distracted expression.

I hesitated, not wanting to cause panic. "I'm not sure," I whispered, trying to keep my voice low. "But something feels off."

Midori caught on quickly, her playful demeanor shifting to one of alertness. "What do you see?" she asked, eyes scanning the room with newfound suspicion.

I subtly nudged my head towards the individuals marked in red. "Those people over there... they're not... normal."

As we watched, the marked individuals slowly began positioning themselves strategically around the room. It was subtle, but to a trained eye, it was obvious that they were up to something.

Talia, Midori, and I exchanged glances, our senses on high alert.

Just as I was trying to figure out my next move, a burst of gunfire shattered the market's relative calm. Several men, their faces hidden behind full-plated masks, fired rifles into the air, causing a wave of panic to sweep through the crowd. People screamed and ducked for cover, chaos erupting around us like a storm.

"Everyone on the floor! Now!" one of the masked men barked. "This is a robbery! Anyone who doesn't want to get hurt — get on the ground, stay still, and quiet the fuck down!"

I felt Talia's hand on my arm, urging me to take cover. My mind was racing, trying to devise a plan as chaos unfolded around us. The three of us huddled behind a merchant's booth, our hearts pounding with fear and adrenaline.

"Are they insane?!" Talia hissed. "Downtown's always swarming with Magical Girls. They'll never get away with this."

But I could see the situation beginning to escalate. The assailants were now grabbing anyone and everyone they could and, forcing them to the ground and dragging them to the middle of the Exchange, waving their weapons around menacingly.

"No," Midori muttered, shaking her head. "This is the only day they could do this. Today's the day that most of the Magical Girls in town will be attending the Assembly Ceremony. Especially all the active ones. These guys know what they're doing."

Talia's eyes widened in disbelief. "A-all of them?!" she sputtered.

Midori nodded. "Yeah... We're shit out of luck. Shoreline City is a designated Global Cooperative. The Assembly Ceremony is an annual event designated and planned separately in Global Co-op. It's... where most of the Magical Girls — both active and retired convene to meet each other and get acquainted. It's a big deal, and its existence is kept hush-hush outside of the community."

I frowned, feeling the gears turn in my head. "So, if they knew about this event, that means they must have inside information. Which means they're not just some random gang," I said, my mind racing with possibilities.

Then, if she knew about it, did that mean Midori had ties to the Magical Girl community? The fact she was here and not there implied that she wasn't a Magical Girl herself, but she was definitely in the know.

I filed that thought for later, knowing we had a bigger problem. We needed to figure out a way to get out of this situation before things took a turn for the-

"YOU THREE!" a gang member barked, interrupting my thoughts. The three of us froze, slowly turning our heads to face the source of the voice only to see the barrel of an assault rifle pointed at us.

"HANDS UP IN THE AIR! NOW! NO SUDDEN MOVEMENTS!"

My heart leaped into my throat, a million possibilities of what could happen next running through my mind. But I knew that there was no escape.

I slowly raised my hands in the air, turning to share a nod with Midori.

I wasn't sure if this would turn out to be the single most eventful day of my life, but I had a feeling I was about to find out.

Hopefully, it won't be my last.