The ship

"Lockon help! Lockon help!" Lockon Stratos then forcefully grabs his Haro from Ryoku. Who completely freaks out and tries to pick a fight. Only for her blows to have no effect and for her to get tired and collapse on the ground. "Just wait... Until I... Catch my breath... Then i'll kick your ass!" Wakaba then takes over and begins his introductions. "Well now that's over. I am Professor Wakaba Hakase, an archivist and the captain of this ship. My goal was to catalog a long destroyed civilization for the Tatsuki academia." Lockon jokes about Wakaba's name being essentially being Professor Wakaba in Japanese before recognizing the structures around him. "That's the Tokyo Tower! And that's the Empire state building! And that is some random field! The world you're recording, is Earth!" The tired professor remains just as detached noting. "So that's what the world is called. Anyway these three are..." "Riku," She then rushes up to Lockon and starts touching him. "Oh yeah, that is some tight ass!" After the latter punches the former unconscious. The others introduce themselves. "Sorry about Riku-nee. I'm Ryo, and as you can see, i'm the muscle of this group." She then points at Ryoku. "And this is Ryoku. The oldest sister among us. She's really smart too! She's really impulsive as well. She could have just used her hair to fight you." "Shut up Ryo! It's was all part of the plan! Now give me that robot before I bite your ankles!" Ryo sheepishly smiles back as Lockon introduces himself. "Well i'm Lockon Stratos. The man who can fire a bullseye right into the stratosphere. And this is Haro."

Haro looks away while swearing at Ryoku. Lockon meanwhile asks how he can get back to which Wakaba admits that he has no idea. He is analyzing the Gundam and believes that the GN drive can help. "Wait, you can analyze a GN drive?!" Wakaba simply smiles at the annoyed sniper as the former sits down and takes out a strange glowing green leaf which he begins smoking. Lockon looks shocked saying. "Hey! Aren't these ships no smoking zone?!" Wakaba puts away the leaf noticing. "Sorry, bad habit from back when I was still alive." "Say what?" Ryo then explains. "Yeah we're all dead. Been so for years too." Ryoku finally gets up and explains. "It seems that this world is some sort of purgatory. The reason why we've been messing with your giant robot is because its engine can let us escape thru a quantum slip." Lockon sits down in the closest bench processing the information as Wakaba leaves to analyze the Gundam.

Special chapter 1: Occultic:Nine

Written by Professor Tsurugi Kagemusha s.h.8855

For countless years I alongside my kin have been researching the usage of mana all for the purpose of achieving operation Pandora. The hope of all people and the hope for peace. And while the operation requires secrecy, I can still record the data and history of our research. It all started millennia ago. In what you would call the antediluvian era. Back then the universe didn't have the many strange worlds we have now. Mobius was known as Earth and it was one of many worlds dominated by the incubators. Who use its people as batteries and then leaves them to be destroyed. As much as I abhor to admit. My former, weaker, and foolish self was born there. A world that foolishly destroyed itself in attempt to claim dominion of the stars. But no matter, the past is dead and I have more important things to talk of.

The basics of magical energy

Magic itself is a type of ambient energy that can be called upon thru either training, natural talent, forced awakening or a combination of any of the above. It is not to be confused by aura or psychics. Another type of energy that instead comes from the body. The best way to describe these by the dichotomy of chi and ki. Equal and opposite universal forces while magic is an external natural force. Many do use each in varying amounts but to reach the pinnacle of two is nigh impossible and more often a racial trait that gives one such potential. And those who obtain all three are said to obtain the power of awakening and can become sages.

To be fair magic and aura are somewhat of a misnomer as the three are energies that exist in the dark or vacuum energy category. A force that cannot be observed thru conventional Newtonian dynamics instead requiring either the ability to naturally sense such energy or specialized sensors calibrated for such use. For some reason these energies are capable of altering the local area and when properly processed are capable are capable of violating thermodynamics. Theoretically allowing for immortality by virtue of cosmic stagnation. While research had been done to understand these phenomenon. They were stopped and the findings buried out of concern that such knowledge could lead to a second great calamity. We now utilize said principles as an energy source to fuel civilization. Utilizing the driver engines things like fossil fuels and Dyson spheres have become obsolete. Still, the towers do maintain solar and geothermal arrays for emergency purposes.

There is also a fourth type of energy. Anti-magic. Unlike the previous two it is a pure genetic mutation that creates a psychic field that nullifies other kinds of powers. These rare physics are often discriminated at best and used as weapons or test subjects at worst. With an anti-mage courting a high price is the smuggling markets. Such matters are left to Arzenal. A guild designed to support and protect said people. From what i've heard the current head is known as Ange Ikaruga, a very ambitious guild-master that has greatly expanded the guild during her tenure.

Basic casting

Casting is... Well it depends...I personally use the Igamori style of magic. Descended from the Iga clan ninjitsu, like many other Reibai. Igamori comes from what would become the Iga forest, the forest that would surround Yodda city. Where recruits would train out in the field in the ways of survival and fighting. Focusing mana the same way martial artists focus ki. Our style revolves primarily on enhancing our physical attributes and focus it into energy blasts. With the core concept being inspired by Dragon ball and later refined via research on the internet.

Due to cultural osmosis the fighter method has become the most common casting method post magical girl war. Although groups like TSAB utilize other methods, primarily the use of mathematical formulas to manipulate and utilize magic. There are also codes. Specialized magic used by mages from before the secondary history era. These kinds of magic are extremely and near incompatible with other systems. And since they are kept secret by the clans who use them. Research has been slow to progress. After all the Magus guild is famous for killing those who snoop around.

Another thing that both old magicians and the Magus guild handles is the collection, cataloging, and protection of magical relics. Many of these have long fallen apart but it is stated that with the proper knowledge and resources the relics can be repurposed into new magical tools. And while it would require considerable repairs and the exchange of parts. As long as the core mechanism stays relatively intact it can be done. Modern day towers are also considered that as well. Being modern day replicas of the Precursor technology. But replacing their power source with more conventional systems.

Elemental release

Exactly as it says above. Elemental release is the creation and utilization of elements in magic. Whether it is the usage of alchemic machines to produce rare and exotic materials such as Artorium, the current standard in armor plating, Curenium or monopoles, the material used in both hover technology and the backbone of the Waltzer frame and all of its variants. Which while it can be used to manipulate gravity. It does not serve as a perpetual motion device regardless of what some visual novels will tell you.

The elemental releases are based on seven primary types, which divide into secondary types, which further descend into unique skills, abilities or manifestations. And while elemental releases have certain strengths and weaknesses it is unlikely going to mean anything in the story. Not just because a being that could blow up a world would be affected by a water spray. But because its already troublesome to deal with all the other logistics I have to deal with. The elemental types that one can use. If any. Rely on a mages compatibility bias. With some simply being incapable of using certain kinds of magic. The most common used elemental types are the primaries. With things becoming rarer the lower you go.

Fire: Which splits into lava, colored or oni flames, and smoke.

Water: Which splits into ice, steam, and several types of healing.

Wind: Which splits into lightning, magnetism and dust.

Earth: Which splits into forest, gravity, and metal.

Light: Which splits into holy, lasers, and warping.

Darkness: Which splits into curses, necromancy, and time.

Void is a very rare element which follows into several unnatural abilities. Utilizing the concept of imaginary numbers to use either the much more common usage of teleportation and summoning or being a component to the creation of god ki. The power source of divine beings.

Skills, abilities, and manifestations

Unique talents that depend on either the race or individual. Whether is the tendency for hedgehogs to be really fast via some weird dormant genetic trait. Or those with the bloodline of Belka all having natural aptitude for magical powers even after millennia later.

The three terms are more or less synonymous. With skills and abilities being attacks, techniques, and passive abilities. Much like elemental weaknesses and resistances it probably wont matter. Mainly because there are so many superpowers out there that outside of professionals. Most people will not have to deal with this shit. Honestly I don't really know what else to say. So let's just sound off the types of abilities.

Racial abilities as stated above are traits that belong to certain species. These are usually adaptations or mutations meant to allow a species to survive in a particular area. Like the previously stated hedgehogs and their speed. We reibai tend to possess a limited form of night vision due to both living in thick forests and our tendency to construct large facilities from the many mountains in our territory. The children of Belka are all predisposed towards magic. To the point that their entire civilization is critically reliant on it. And for some reason, no matter how many generations pass. Said abilities remain genetically dominant.

Awakened abilities meanwhile are powers gained thru either dedicated training or some sort of awakening. Either thru trauma or forced awakening. Dedicated training is easy enough. Gaining strength thru the understanding and practice of fighting styles or being just plain self taught. While awakenings usually are events that causes mutations and changes in a sudden manner. Whether its random chance, or an intentional measure. Usually as an attempt to either create super soldiers or expendable chaff. As awakened abilities tend to be either weaker or far less versatile than those who properly mastered them. Awakened skills can increase in strength with time and practice. But usually these people are either manipulated, killed, or worse. Which is why the guild gives licenses to super powered individuals as well as obligatory tests and reviews required for renewal every four years. I myself are no exception to such a law as the guild grants support and assistance.

Mana convergence

A very rare ability. The power to absorb ambient mana in order to use it as a power up. Convergence is only a thing when someone absorbs the ambient energy in the vicinity. A much more common technique involves the manipulation of power levels. Mainly the focused increasing of said power level. Or the suppression of it, a method meant for stealth and hiding ones signature.

The standard power level scaling is based of a ranking system. While power levels were given a numerical value in the past. The sheer spike and irregularity caused the system to be retired with Prince Vegeta the fourth's famous line. Power levels are bullshit. Ranks also serve as a way to quantify the danger of a criminal, the bounty on their head, and the applicable use of force.

Rank F: Normal people, no real threat except in numbers, minimal force necessary.

Rank E: Mooks/Troopers, same as above, punch them in the face.

Rank D: Elite mooks, Varies, considerable forced necessary.

Rank C: Average mage or super, Bounties are applicable from now on, Lethal force allowed from now on.

Rank B: Command officers, one on one fights suggested, Lethal force usage likely.

Rank A: Superheroes or supervillians, avoid if possible and let the authorities handle it.

Rank S: Walking disaster areas, RUN! Highest and most dangerous bounties.

Rank X: Dangers to society, shoot on sight.

Alchemy and its uses

Alchemy has actually been mostly debunked actually. With "alchemy" being either some sort of magical ability or a scientific method involving either the deconstruction and reconstruction of matter. Which is a dying art that exists in one of two worlds. And alchemical machines. Which are essentially large factories that use quantum computing networks to sequence atoms via nuclear fusion. Producing exotic materials relatively cheap. And plastic, enough plastic to choke the Pacific ocean itself.

There are several alchemical taboos. Mainly the creation of gold. Because obviously a large amount of said material being influxed into the economy would cause devastation. And higher levels of transmutation. Mainly those involved in resurrecting the dead. It has been shown multiple times that even if the resurrection is successful. The original soul would never return to the body. Instead creating a new identity and heart in the process. And while soul salvaging experiments have shown promise it requires that said soul have a powerful will and sense of identity. And even then the soul would not be exactly restored but more like rebooting a computer. Even I must admit that ever since the day I became a machine. My previous identity and memories have felt more and more detached. To the point that I cannot understand my original anymore. Why did she struggled so much? After all we never truly loved her. We merely projected our ideals onto them. A pathetic lost child searching for a mother.

Anyways, once Pandora is completed none of it will matter anymore...

Psyche

The art of the mental image. Often seen as the realm of the psychics which is usually true. Psyche can also be used by other types of warriors. Mainly thru the use of the psyche field. A shallow layer of the collective unconscious that allows for telepathic links between sentients. Whether its simply certain kinds of communications, the ability to create illusions of sorts, or image training, which just works. Yes somehow being able to imagine yourself fighting dudes or giant grasshoppers can give you super strength. And it actually does work as I have used it in order to develop the most painful and sadistic ways to kill Kyubey.

Things like labyrinths and the like are an advanced form of psyche usage. A manipulation of a limited space via a pocket dimension. Such studies later lead to the creation of pocket rooms. Small alternate dimensions bound and maintained by a specific point in space time. This is especially useful in large carrier ships. As they can be used to transport large amounts of troops, equipment, and cargo. And in case of an emergency, be used as evacuation ships. With their modular nature meaning that they can be replaced and exchanged if necessary. Although that is considered an absolute last resort as the possible loss of the contents inside. Which has led to several deaths.

Witches and Doppels

Originally a byproduct of incubator malice. As other sentients were turned into monsters during their energy harvests, After the magical girl wars ended. All knowledge of the witch system was destroyed. With what remained being used as propaganda to give support to the CENTER militia and Burial fleet. With the latter tasked with hunting down and killing every incubator and Puella magi. While all knowledge about Puella magi and incubators was censored and suppressed. It is foolish to think that such knowledge would disappear. The network is too big to properly monitor, there are numerous old ruins and tomes out there, and there will always be people who rediscover said knowledge. No matter how many people get burnt at the stake.

Witches themselves are corrupted souls that are reduced to feral monsters because of the negative emotions used to create the witch. They are reduced to feral and animalistic creatures only concerned with feeding and propagation. No, a better description is that they are viruses. A cancer that consumes entire worlds. If they possess any kind of sentience or self awareness of their past selves the obligatory protocol is immediate planetary bombardment in order to avoid a second great calamity.

As for Doppels, they're Stands. Scientifically created Stands. Originally made by the Satomi group as an alternate way to stop the witch system and allow Puella magi to live normal lives. The project was scrapped due to a combination of cost effectiveness, continued push-back by the people who suffered under the war and the fact that the binding bands could already do that without giving an emotionally unstable teenage girl the power to destroy cities. Then again this shit was invented by a bunch of racists so of course it's dumb. Anyways I did hear that people in the underworld have gotten their hands on the data and are experimenting on it. But the Space mafia is preventing us from investigating.

Forbidden magic

In order to talk about forbidden magic we must talk about the great taboos. Five sins that would lead to an instant execution without proper legal procedure.

Time travel, mind control, Nuclear, biological, and chemical weaponry, computer viruses and hive minds, and soul manipulation. These are the five great taboos. While the taboos can count for anything related to said sciences. All of them were made to prevent a second great calamity. The Calamity Homu, also known as the greatest traitor and war criminal in history. To the point where we didn't even bother with capturing her. Simply going for the quick kill.

The first taboo. Or the ban on time travel was of course made to prevent another Calamity Homu. As the calamity's domain is time. Strict rules were placed to regulate its usage, mainly that you don't. Even things like stopping time and skipping time dance around a gray area where execution is handled on a case by case basis. With the only reason that I am allowed to use my powers is because of the protection of the Ichijin clan.

The second taboo. Soul manipulation exists to oppose Puella magi and incubators. Since the former are awakened by the latter by stealing their souls and transforming it into a gem that can be manipulated or corrupted. Unlike the first taboo. Anyone caught doing this dies. No exceptions.

The third taboo. Mind control. Another anti-calamity set of laws meant to prevent any and all uses of mind control. Leading to a swift and merciless death with its usage.

The fourth taboo. NBC weaponry. Lightspeed missiles, which are warp powered nuclear bombs sent into planets, Genecide, a gas designed to kill anyone with a specific and preprogrammed genetic marker. Via literally melting them alive and leaving a planet uninhabitable for centuries. And numerous different diseases. These weapons of mass destruction are heavily regulated if not full on banned. While the Exterminatus system is meant to destroy worlds. As an incredibly potent particle cannon it slips thru the taboo via a loophole.

The fifth and final taboo. Computer viruses and the like. Due to the mechanical mechanica accords. The risk of viruses infecting robots or other AI that could chaos mass chaos means that crackers are swiftly cracked down. And hive minds, or integrated AI networks as well. With the latter being used by the Machina revolution force. Which attempted to use said networks to manipulate the population into continuing the war.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day I made this report in order to provide an abbreviated explanation on magic and its usage. It has been quite a thing to observe its change from a force of evil and destruction to a pillar in mankind's society. And while our enemies will continue to attempt to exploit this power. It is our duty as the IFS, the defenders of civilization itself to continue the fight. It is why I still lead the Burial fleet even to this very day. After all the people of the former Earth had a saying. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. To ensure the peace, safety, and happiness of our people. We continue to fight.

To be continued...

This is the first of a series of reports that help develop the world and lore of the universe. They will be released at irregular intervals through Sonic Arc 2 and other future projects.