Part 1

Hidden C. E. I. S. Weapons Development and Testing Facility / TF Hangar

It's been a little over a week since we've started the retraining program in order to formally become test pilots for Project Elysium. We've been subjected to all kinds of grueling activities that challenged our physical and mental limits. They also allowed the others to grasp the basics of mana control. They have absolutely no idea about that little tidbit though.

We regularly repeated the drills we were subjected to when we first started training before beginning any other activity. That allowed the rest to come that much closer to achieving the state of 'True Breathing' in such a short period of time. Their progress amazed even me. If an examiner for a prestigious magic school were to evaluate everyone's aptitude, they'd absolutely be deemed geniuses.

I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. It took me two months to achieve that state and here were people who did it in just over a week of training. The gap was so large, I wasn't even given the chance to feel jealous. I'm having an awful case of deja vu. Damn...

Oh well. No use beating myself up over it. I already knew I was mediocre from the beginning. At least I have experience going for me, though I'm not sure how long that'll hold up too. I let out a resigned sigh.

The more puzzling thing is how I managed to encounter a training regimen that effectively enhanced ones ability to perceive, accumulate and control mana fluctuations in a world that's supposedly devoid of the concept of magecraft in its truest sense. Judging from the meager info I managed to get a hold of, it's possible that this all ties to the discovery of high-phonon particles.

But the breadth of information I'm able to get my hands on is woefully lacking. There isn't a single source that is able to address the most important points. The kind of articles that are readily available to even the average citizens won't give me jack squat.

Since high-phonon particles and mana have very distinct similarities -- even to the point that they can be considered as practically one and the same -- , researching about the particles and the process of their discovery may lead to some clues.

There's a lot to consider. What led to their discovery? Who discovered them anyway? Were they really discovered or did the ones responsible for unveiling them already have working knowledge about them? If so, how did they obtain that knowledge?

This may point me to a lead about my current situation. Maybe it may even help me in finding a way back home! But anything I manage to get right now only contain things that can also be found in school reference material and civilian publications. They're practically near useless to me.

Many points remain unclear. The individuals responsible for the discovery of the particles aren't even named. It's attributed as the result of the collective efforts of several researchers and engineers affiliated with the Confederations official technological research and development department.

There's also that thing about espers. Apparently, the appearance of the so called 'espers' -- people sporting 'supernatural' powers -- roughly coincided with the discovery and subsequent development of high-phonon particles. But their existence is treated by a majority of the citizens as a mere urban legend, which can be largely attributed to the Confederation's thorough information control.

But they do exist. We have real life subjects right here in this facility. Apparently, I'm also considered as one. With that, I can more or less assert that the ones they call 'espers' over here are actually just simply mages - latent or otherwise.

The abilities they're able to display are closely related to their natural disposition as magic users. Take Greg for example. He has a natural affinity for gravity control magic so he can already manage rudimentary displays of said magic. It's quite a rare affinity too. Back home, we simply call it weight control magic since the term 'gravity' doesn't exist. I, on the other hand, have an affinity for fire. A bit ironic considering my name.

Early manifestation isn't exactly common. It's considered a good indicator of the potential of an aspiring magician. There are also abilities that aren't directly related to ones magic affinity such as Future Sight and the like. They're collectively called 'Talents' and some have quite the reputation.

How was the Confederation able to procure people with affinity for the magical arts like this? How much do they know about us? Yuuna and Gus mentioned a device that was used to test their aptitudes. What exactly did it test? Does this world really have a working knowledge of magic but only used different terms?

There are a lot of things I need to investigate but I lack the means to make a thorough one. Somehow, I doubt Dr. Saionji would willingly divulge info despite his earlier promises of full cooperation. I knew he was only baiting me when he proposed that deal anyway. I'm not that gullible. But at that time, I was pretty much desperate to grasp any kind of foothold so I went along with it.

I was eventually forced to back down for now. But I refuse to believe an opportunity won't come. And even if it doesn't, I just need to work on creating that opportunity myself. Of course, things aren't really that simple. But what choice do I have? I don't want to give up on finding my way back home!

I snapped myself out of my current thoughts. Right now, let's focus on the activity at hand. I straightened myself up and looked ahead.

A large guy with a neatly kept beard stood in front of us and made a few light coughs. He kept throwing furtive glances to the side while constantly trying to straighten out his uniform collar.

Needless to say, the beautiful trainer from hell, Instructor Lisa Keynes was standing nearby with her signature glare. It looked absolutely stunning and incredibly intimidating at the same time - an atypical combination for sure. But countless guys in the facility have already been enslaved by that expression. It looks like the bearded man was one of them.

"EHEM!"

Oh? That was a big one. Has he finally calmed his nerves?

"Look alive runts! My name is Kendrick Hartley and I'm to be your technical instructor regarding the maintenance and handling of new experimental gear specifically designed to work in conjunction with the newly developed Tactical Frame prototypes. I will be working in concert with Instructor Keynes in order to prep you for your upcoming duties as test pilots and, like her, I will not be lenient in the slightest. Is that clear runts?" he declared in one breath, obviously trying to impress our lady instructor. Unfortunately, she doesn't seem to be moved even a little bit.

"Yes sir!" came our perfunctory reply. He nodded slightly in acknowledgement.

Instructor Hartley gestured to the interior of the hangar, bringing our attention to a row of large armored suits gleaming a pale silver

"Does anybody know what those are?" he asked. Eun hurriedly raised her hand and answered in an excited tone.

"Sir, those are Tactical Combat Augmentation Exoskeletal Gear, otherwise known as Ex-G. They're used by both Confederation and Alliance troops as an all terrain high performance powered suit capable of enhancing a soldiers combat efficiency greatly." she exclaimed with a somewhat longing look in her eyes.

Instructor Hartley smiled and nodded repeatedly.

"Somebody knows her stuff. Now here's another one: What do those things have to do with piloting Tactical Frames? What's the connection?" he followed up.

Eun furrowed her brows in deep thought while the rest of us held blank expressions.

"TFs and Ex-Gs are different weapon systems. A connection between the two... Connection... Connection..." Eun muttered.

All of a sudden, her hazel eyes lit up and then...

"Wait a minute... C-Could it be? Dad mentioned this in passing once. Something about achieving an almost flawless human-machine interface by linking the neural network through a proxy... TF / Ex-G Conjunctive Link... KYAAAAA!!! IS IT REALLY THAT?!" came an excited shriek.

We were all bewildered by Euns behavior. Instructor Hartley, however, chuckled heartily.

"As expected of Dae Woon Park's only daughter. That's right. These babies are specifically designed to act in tandem with the prototype TFs systems, creating an advanced man-machine interface. It would allow for controlling a fifteen to twenty-something meter TF almost solely through a pilots neural input." he proudly explained.

"So, in other words, these Ex-Gs will basically be our pilot suits right?" Kent probed.

"Correct. These will allow you to control almost every aspect of the Tactical Frame with virtually no loss of efficiency. Reaction times will rocket through the roof! Conventional controls won't even have a prayer of keeping up!

...

That was the plan at least..."

Instructor Hartleys voice trailed off as he continued his lecture. There seems to be a catch huh. It did sound too good to be true.

"Unfortunately, we may have made it a little too un-user friendly... It takes a bit of getting used to in order to operate these things manually via direct neural link. We've come up with a support A. I. which would assist you guys in using them by sharing some of the burden. We're going to let you have a go at operating these babies partly to let you get used to the feeling and to polish up the support A. I. s functions."

A commotion broke out within the group after Instructor Hartleys lecture. Everybody was looking forward to trying the Ex-Gs out. Eun was particularly gung ho about it. She's even drooling slightly.

Now I finally know why I found her similar to my old man. They're both crazy about their hobbies... My dad liked everything related to smithing. Eun, on the other hand, seemed to like this sort of stuff. What did Ms. Nemu call it again? Mecha otaku?

Only Lin and Shinjou had their brows creased, not being taken by the rowdy atmosphere. Lin raised her hand and voiced a concern.

"Instructor, shouldn't the goal here be standardization? Doesn't developing a weapon system that is only usable by a select few who underwent a specialized training program go against the basic principles of mass produced weaponry?"

Instructor Hartley nodded approvingly once more.

"A valid point, considering High Commands planned army-wide implementation of the tech developed here in order to increase our military capabilities. And that's exactly where you lot come in." he replied. He gestured towards the Ex-Gs once more.

"I mentioned a support A. I. earlier didn't I? We like to call it MUSE."

He walked over towards one prototype and tapped the helm portion.

"MUSE is installed in each and everyone of these Ex-Gs and is the key to that particular problem."

Instructor Hartley gave the Ex-G a peculiar gaze as he talked.

Reverence.

Longing.

Pride.

That gaze contained a mix of several emotions. A wisp of melancholy can also be observed, though fleeting.

He continued his explanations.

"Its primary function right now is to 'learn'. It collects, compiles and analyzes the data gained from each operator that equips the units it's installed in. Every unit connected via the C. E. I. S. quantum network will be granted access to this big compendium of essential data.

It then refines them and uses them to better assist the pilots in the operation of these new weapon systems. It uses the knowledge and techniques it has stored up to guide and fine tune your actions and physical abilities via electrochemical stimulus and high-phonon particle interaction.

Now that may sound a bit off putting to some, but I assure you that it's absolutely safe and will not likely leave any unpleasant side effects. Once it's completed, even an absolute beginner will be able to operate this thing like a seasoned pro. And actual pros will find their skills optimized to completely new levels!"

A hint of fanaticism laced his tone near the end. But Instructor Hartley reigned it in fairly quickly. After a light cough, he ordered his subordinates to prep us for training.

We were directed to changing rooms and were asked to put on tight, form fitting suits which would supposedly allow us to interface with the Ex-Gs better. We then proceeded back to the main hangar and equipped the silvery suits of armor laced in cutting edge tech.

The limbs of the prototype Ex-Gs are relatively longer than actual human limbs. My hands and feet reach just halfway its forearms and legs. There are handles situated inside the mid section of the Ex-Gs forearms. The entire thing closed up when I grabbed them, encasing me in sleek, silvery armor.

It's a bit stuffy though. After the face helm closed up, a panoramic HD camera view with a detailed HUD appeared in front of me. It's like I'm not wearing anything over my head. It's incredibly crisp and clear.

Man, I wish the MagiVision projectors back home were this crisp and detailed. If they were, then the set of covert ero ero hot spring MagiCrystal recordings I got from uncle Milton would be even more amazi... Err... Never mind.

"Okay rookies. Try walking around slowly along the facility grounds. Take it nice and easy. Trust me, it's not going to go smoothly the first time. These ain't like the standard models you're all used to." Instructor Hartley directed.

Everyone started their ungainly steps towards the open grounds outside the hangar area. I followed suit as well. I immediately understood what Instructor Hartley meant when he said to take it nice and easy.

It's like walking on stilts. Talk about awkward. We advanced slowly with tottering steps. I was nearly thrown off balance several times but the A. I. kicked in and hurriedly corrected my stance. It actually felt somewhat unnatural. I can't quite understand Eun's enthusiasm about this thing.

I advanced a few more steps. Then suddenly...

[Sync ratio at 77% Neural interface feedback nominal. Initiating link in 3, 2, 1... Full neural link established. You are now in Direct mode.]

A professional sounding female voice suddenly rang inside the suits helm and announced something. As I was wondering what was up, Yuuna suddenly wobbled backwards. She's heading right for me. I knew the armor would automatically correct her balance, but I still moved to avoid her just in case.

And when I attempted to dodge...

"Eh?... WHOAAAAAAAA!!!"

I suddenly flew backwards in high speed.

"WAIT! STOP, STOP, STOP, STOP, STOOOP!" I leaned forward and yelled out in panic. And then...

"Huh?... Arrrgh!"

My momentum suddenly got cut and I landed face first on the hangar grounds.

"Ow..."

What just happened? My head was spinning a bit from the sudden impact but it subsided rather quickly. When I used my arms to raise myself and tried to get up...

"AAAAAAHHH! Ooof..."

...

My entire body suddenly launched upwards and flipped over a full 360 degrees in mid air. I then landed squarely on my back.

"Owww..."

Seriously... What in Goddess Alma's name is happening?...

[Assessing data... Current neural synchronization values allow for overextended involuntary maneuvers... Adjusting feedback sensitivity... Current values set to 37.42%... Uploading Unit Basic Function Primer to current Operator... Upload complete.]

I was still reeling from the earlier accidents when a constant stream of information suddenly flooded my consciousness, catching me off guard. But the feelings of surprise and confusion didn't last long. My state of mind rapidly stabilized to the point that it was scary. But even that burst of fear dulled. I became unnaturally calm in an instant.

...

I started sifting through the information that suddenly appeared inside my head. It seems to be a detailed primer on the prototypes basic controls. So it was like that...

I slowly sat up and raised my armor covered hands in front of me. My flesh and blood hands were still gripping the handles inside the armor. But I became able to move the mechanical wrists and fingers of the Ex-G as if they were my own.

I did it by circulating my mana and subsequently channeling it to the armor. The entire structure of the Ex-G soaked it all up like a sponge. I then felt an indescribable sense of oneness. With this, the power conduits became my blood vessels, the internal nano-circuitry became my nerves, the servo motors became my joints and muscles and the composite nano-laminate psionium armor became my skin. The Ex-G became my very flesh.

I got flailed and thrown around because I had been overshooting the strength needed to move normally. I also used unnecessary functions in order to perform simple actions. I was simply unaccustomed to the Ex-Gs capabilities. I decided to do a quick once-over first in order to remedy that.

First are the main and auxiliary thrusters. These pesky things are the cause of my earlier blunders. The Ex-G is equipped with several of them, positioned along key points all across the armor. These thrusters enhance the overall maneuverability of the unit as they allow for near instantaneous directional changes while in motion depending on the output used.

They work primarily by rapidly expelling high-phonon particles which creates great propulsive force. It turns out that I've been involuntarily activating the thrusters, resulting in those earlier mishaps. I start checking each of them out.

First are the main thusters located at the back of the unit. They're placed on small movable wing binders and have the highest output capacity. I tried moving them just like any other body part. It's a curious experience, but I got used to it fairly quickly.

Next are the shoulder thusters...

The ones equipped on both sides of the hip area...

The ones on the sides and backs of the legs...

There are also ones positioned across the torsos upper chest area.

I then reviewed the various data displayed on the helms HUD. Terrain info, overall unit condition, body diagnostics... All sorts of information are readily available and updated in real time.

I also tried moving the other parts of the Ex-G mentally as if it truly were my own body.

The advanced optics had great magnification capabilities. The unit can also connect to tracking satellites or scouting drones in order to get a direct image feed. There's also a rear view function, which can be pretty handy. It pops up on a small sub-window with a thought.

I moved the units hands and fingers next. Unlike flesh and blood limbs, these mechanical fingers have exceedingly articulate ranges of motion. I can even fully bend them over or wriggle them like snakes (which looked weird). Heck, the wrists can even fully rotate!

Giga Drill Finger!

It's spinning! It's spinning like crazy!

...

I'm fooling around again...

The Ex-Gs feet don't have any toes to speak of, but the soles could open up to reveal another pair of auxiliary thrusters in case of emergencies.

Lastly, I try out the exhaust vents which serve to release the units built up residual heat. I open and close the various flaps placed all over the unit. All of them move without any problems.

Everything checks out fine so far. Now let's try using these things to get back into position.

After a deep breath, I begin to initiate a maneuver. The main thrusters fire up. My 'body' steadily lifts itself. I activate some auxiliary thrusters to counterbalance and successfully move myself to an upright position. I hover for a few more seconds. After reconfirming my bearings, I slowly bring myself back down by tapering off the thruster output bit by bit.

Aaaand... Touchdown!

Alright! If the Ex-Gs helm opened right now, everyone would see the smug look plastered on my face.

I gradually calm down after a few moments. Everyone probably saw my embarrassing displays earlier after all. This is no time to be feeling proud of myself for such a small achievement.

Oh well. Let's see how the others are doing. I was so focused on my own matters that I didn't have the leeway to pay attention to the other test pilots.

I turned around... only to find the others staring at me while standing stock still.

Hm?

What's the matter everyone? Was that 360 degree flip really that embarrassingly bad?

I moved my gaze towards the instructors. Ms. Keynes was glaring daggers at me, which didn't come as any surprise. But Mr. Hartley was staring at me with widened eyes. His mouth was opening and closing intermittently as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

Really now. What's with you all?

Part 2

"Instructor Keynes! Just where did you find such a guy?! He just initiated a full neural link in his first time operating the prototype!"

Kendrick Hartley bore down on Lisa Keynes with an exceedingly giddy look on his bearded face. He was sticking really close to her while breathing roughly in excitement. If this scene happened in public instead of the hidden Confederation R&D facilities TF hangar, he might have been taken as a crazy pervert in the middle of molesting a poor, innocent woman.

"I... I wasn't the one who scouted him." came a rather subdued reply.

Lisa wore an expressionless mask and spoke in a rather strained tone. Kendrick, finally noticing the awkward position they were in, let go of her immediately in panic. He let out a series of embarrassed coughs and gave Lisa a sheepish grin.

"I'm sorry Ms. Keynes. I was just a bit too surprised because of earlier. You didn't take any offense I hope."

Lisa lightly shook her head. "None taken." she replied curtly. The pair then lapsed into an awkward silence...

"Uh... In any case, what that test pilot did earlier was quite an impressive feat. Even when we asked for some members of the Wyvern Experimental Squadron to give the prototypes a go, we didn't have such dramatic results straight away. They did manage to pull off a relatively complete neural link after a few days. This guy however... Please tell me who got him onboard the project."

Being unable to bear it any longer, Kendrick attempted to restart the conversation. Fortunately for him, it seemed to have worked somewhat.

"It was Satoru... Dr. Satoru Saionji. He's the one who brought him over." Lisa answered.

A look of surprise surfaced on Kendrick Hartley's face.

"Someone the deputy director personally brought over? Now that's interesting..." he mused.

"I actually feel we don't have the full details regarding his background history and relevant records. If you wish to find out more about him, you could try asking Dr. Saionji directly." Lisa added.

Kendrick raised an eyebrow at Lisa's comment.

"Are you saying the deputy director is withholding information? That's quite a claim Ms. Keynes."

Lisa lightly shook her head.

"No. Nothing that definite. Just a hunch."

Kendrick's brows furrowed. He then let out a resigned sigh.

"Hmm... Perhaps there's some merit to asking after all... If you'll excuse me Ms. Keynes." Kendrick nodded in assent and went off to find Dr. Saionji.

They had programmed MUSE to adjust to the capabilities of each individual pilot. A review of the data logs reveal no abnormalities in MUSE's algorithm.

What exactly did that signify?

Did MUSE really rate Kou Mikagami's aptitude to be that high? Not even the seasoned veterans of the Elysium project, the Wyvern Experimental Squadron, were able to induce such an evaluation. What stood the kid apart from even the projects current creme de la creme? How could he get the hang of the prototypes direct neural controls so fast despite MUSE being decidedly incomplete?

Kendrick Hartley needed answers. His pace visibly quickened.

Part 3

Lisa Keynes looked at her colleagues departing figure with a complicated expression. She then let out an audible sigh.

"Will this work?..." she thought.

She goaded Kendrick Hartley into action in order to see if he could procure more information out of Dr. Saionji. It was nothing more than a passing whim. She more or less didn't hope for much. But there's still some worth in trying.

She let out another sigh. She massaged her slightly aching temples due to piled up stress. It seems the news from her former handmaiden really did a number on her nerves.

"What's wrong Matriarch? Are you feeling unwell?"

The concerned remark came from a silver haired, brown skinned young woman who appeared behind her without warning. She had long gotten used to it, so Lisa was hardly startled by the woman's sudden intrusion.

"It's nothing Miera. What is it? Aren't you supposed to be with the rest of the test pilots right now?" she asked back.

"It's alright Matriarch. There's a fifteen minute break before sim training starts. I just wanted to check up on your condition first." the young woman, Daumiera Renvis gently replied.

Lisa's lips curved into a bitter smile.

"Did I seem that bad off?"

Daumiera, now under the guise 'May', repeatedly shook her head in a fluster.

"N-No Matriarch! I was merely doing my duty as your handmaiden. The fact that I am unable to be by your side at all times is troubling. But under these circumstances, I realize we have to endure."

The smile on Lisa's smile twitched after May's impassioned declaration. "Matriarch... Right..." she muttered under her breath.

There was a time when being called that title filled her with boundless pride. No longer... Now, that just seemed like a distant memory.

It was supposed to be.

But May's sudden arrival changed everything. Her former handmaiden appearing unannounced before Lisa who had settled herself as a consultant of sorts to the Confederations R&D department stirred those fading memories once more.

The Order of Nei Va'an... The Path Seekers... The legacy of Rahd Ha'arun still persists.

Lisa's emotions were thrown in a chaotic spiral. She had been living as a mere remnant of a past age. Even so, she couldn't stop herself from vowing revenge over the ones who deprived her of all she treasured. Her very soul cried out for it - the soul which had been dyed with those of her ancestors and 'The Path' they had so fervently espoused and venerated; ultimately trampled upon by the hateful Alliance and the very people she had once sworn to guide and protect.

Revenge was all she lived for. It was all she had. And suddenly, she gets told that all was not lost. That there yet exists a sliver of hope for a tradition and people in their death throes.

How was she supposed to respond to that? Even she has been far too immersed in things 'foreign' that she once vehemently rejected. It was too late to turn back now. What else did they expect of her?

The confusion and stress that this brought her had caused Lisa to lose most of her composure. Does she truly wish to answer their call and restore the Order under her banner? She recognizes this as a mere fools errand. But even so, a part of her still thinks otherwise, no matter how absurd that notion may be.

She breathed in and out in order to calm herself. This wasn't the time and place to be preoccupied with such thoughts. Lisa fixed her expression into one of calm, businesslike indifference as best she could and turned her attention towards May once more.

"Your observation target... How is he? What are your impressions?" she inquired.

"He's... definitely worthy of interest. Given his background, there are things about him which are highly suspect."

The worried look on May's face also turned serious as she began giving Lisa her initial analysis.

"I have been observing him as Matriarch instructed after the forest exercises. I believe it's safe to conclude that he's already awakened as a full Adept even before being recruited, and even trained. Extensively at that."

Lisa's gaze became sharp after hearing her subordinates claim.

"Your basis?..." she inquired further.

"His foundations are already relatively solid. His control of 'Breath' has already reached quite a competent level. His apparent use of an element mantra during the forest exercise is already a solid indication. But the smooth flow of 'Breath' within his channels prove that he has sufficient mastery of the fundamentals. These can't be achieved without sufficient training. Even ones deemed natural geniuses won't be able to display that kind of ability straight away." May expounded.

Lisa's expression turned darker. She thought of several possibilities inside her head. "There's really something else going on with that guy." she mused. The more she heard about Kou Mikagami, the more intrigued she became.

"Any chance he, or someone related to him, is actually from our system?" she asked further.

May shook her head hesitantly.

"I also investigated that possibility. There's actually some subtle differences in the way he accumulates and utilizes 'Breath' compared to our traditional methods. I actually cannot say for sure but... there's just something... off about it." she answered.

"Off? How so?" Lisa urged May to explain further.

"I apologize if I can't elaborate in detail Matriarch. Even the rarest or most deviant methods for treading 'The Path' have something of a similarity along with the standard ones. A unified origin if you will. But his method however... Though I can't say for sure... But it feels like it has a different basis altogether. It's something astoundingly similar but also decidedly different from ours."

May's brows scrunched up as she went on presenting her impressions. She was evidently agitated by the things she found familiar and yet alien at the same time.

Lisa gradually took all the information in. They presented more questions than answers, but proved enough to spark her interest anew.

"Continue with the observation. We need more information in order to draw more definite conclusions. Whether or not he'll be of use remains to be seen." Lisa instructed. May gave a distinctly different salute from the regular C. E. I. S. one and left for the sim training room.

Lisa reached for her neck and brought out a worn out looking pendant. It was made of some kind of pale blue crystal and had a pattern carved on its surface - a serpent-like creature coiled in an irregular circle that devoured its own tail. She clutched it tightly as she bowed her head.

As if in prayer...

- Chapter 15 End -

* Note:

C. E. I. S. - Confederation of Extrasolar Interplanetary Systems