The Beginning of the Madness
There was a… country.
Sitting in the center of the European continent, it was born in the mid nineteenth century from the annexation and merging of numerous statelets, territories, and aristocratic landholdings.
The hope was to build the ideal country. One free of the flaws exhibited by previous establishments. One lacking racial and gender discrimination, whilst maintaining rational and traditional formalities.
The country grew at an unprecedented pace. Culturally, technologically, and above all, militarily, the country soon outstripped its European peers. By the dawn of the twentieth century, the country had established itself as the paragon of the world’s Great Powers. The name of this country thus became known to the world as a whole.
The Germanian Empire.
The Empire, which boasted great military prowess, was surrounded on all sides by potential enemies. And so, they sharpened their sword in defense, unaware of the growing fear inspired by this sharpening. And so, the tenuous peace held between the Empire and its neighbors became increasingly strained.
Of course, no one truly wants war. War is one of humanity’s worst punishments for itself. Only fools desire war. Naturally, everyone wants peace. So, to protect peace, they take up their guns and thrust themselves into battle, hoping to achieve it.
The war that followed grew and grew, consuming and destroying so much, that it became impossible to consider another war like it. It became known as the Great War.
There was also a… girl. A teen girl. A mage, one whose fingerprints could be found all over the Great War. Whose story began just at the same time the story of the Great War began.
Yes, it all started at the same point. The stories coincided, intertwining inseparably. It was at the same moment in time. Historians would look back on this one moment, and declare it:
The Beginning of the Madness
-=-
June 1923
The Sky Over Norden
Disputed Border Territory, Empire
“Fairy 08, this is Norden Control, over.”
“Norden Control, this is Fairy 08. Go ahead, over.”
“Fairy 08, we are detecting signs of multiple unfamiliar mana signatures in your sector. Your orders are to ascend to max altitude and survey the area. Read back, over.”
“Fairy 08 to Control. My orders are to ascend to max altitude and survey the area. Over.”
“Fairy- bzzzt- you have- zzzrttt- afterwards brrzzzz-”
“Control, this is Fairy 08. Say again, over.”
“ZZZZrrrtttt-”
“Control, Fairy 08. This static is horrible. I can’t hear you at all. Say again, over."
Nothing.
Tanya pulled her hand away from her throat mic, her brow furrowing in confusion. Technical difficulties on her first mission? What an unfortunate scenario. And there might be Entente mages in the area.
Just my luck. Of course, this damn box radio I have to lug around won’t work properly. It’s practically dead weight with this shit going on.
Tanya adjusted her helmet, making sure it and her googles were on tight.
If they just put a mage in the control room, they’d be able to contact their aerial mages freely using a spell. But that would open control up to attacks by mana signature detection. Radios already do that enough, so I understand why they don’t. Would make my life easier right now though.
Ah well. She had at least received her orders already. Might as well carry them out and wait for Control to recontact her.
Tanya rolled her shoulders. That same box radio that currently served little more than a heavy metal backpack dug into her shoulders even worse than the usual gear-laden pack. Basically dead weight at this point. True, the weight and discomfort only got easier to handle the more she got used to it, but damn if it wasn’t still annoying.
Imagine how heavy this thing would be if I were even 4 or 5 years younger. This radio is probably bigger than I was back then.
The Second Lieutenant readied herself to ascend, her mind still elsewhere.
Tch, imagine. A 10, 11-year-old aerial mage doing this? Absolutely crazy. Thankfully, the Empire hasn’t sunk that low. Yet. They still recruited me, after all. Well, technically I volunteered to avoid becoming a grunt, but that’s really the same thing.
With that happy thought, Tanya boosted herself up higher in the sky…
Or, she was about to, when several piercing spells whizzed by her right and left sides.
“Oh shit.” Tanya’s eyes widened.
Yeah, Norden Control had mentioned something about “multiple unfamiliar mana signatures”. But this was a little overkill!
“Why is there a whole company here!?”
-=-
“Bzzrtfff Fairy 08, this Norden Control. What’s the status on those mana signatures? Over.”
“Fairy 08 to Control, I’d say you were right on the mark! I need- Fuck!”
“Fairy 08, what’s going on over there? Over.”
“Control, this is Fairy 08 requesting immediate backup at my location- Oh that was close, shit!- I could use some fucking help here! Over!”
“Norden Control to Fairy 08. What’s the situation?”
What’s the situation? I ought to strangle you, whoever you are. Ah, I’m just having coffee with some enemy mages and wondered if you’d like some as well!
“The situation?- I am under fire by a platoon of enemy mages! Two other enemy mage platoons are on standby – An interference spell? Insulting bastard! – and the difference in firepower is unmanageable, over!”
“Roger, Fairy 08. Reinforcements will be sent to your location. Perform delaying action until they arrive, over.”
More shots rang out. Tanya flipped and swerved erratically to dodge, piercing spell pinging off the side of her barrier. She boosted her altitude to dodge the follow up spells.
“Norden Control, the situation is a bit urgent, so I would appreciate a little urgency here! Hurry up! Over!”
“Norden Control to Fairy 08. Reinforcements will arrive at your location in approximately 300. And you might want to watch your tone. Over.”
Explosions followed behind her form as she lanced across the sky, each one closer than the last. She was just an artillery spotter on her first mission. How the hell was she supposed to hold out for 5 minutes!
“Watch my tone? I’d like to hear you say that while getting shot at thousands of meters in the air!” Tanya managed to snarl back, before jolting to the side to avoid yet another explosion spell. And then back the way she’d just been to avoid a piercing spell.
It probably wasn't the smartest idea say what she was thinking right now, but agitated as she was Tanya did not care one bit. It sure was easy for the soldiers in the control room to talk about “tone” and “radio etiquette” when they weren’t the ones nearly having their face blasted off every other second. She was practically getting waterboarded out here on the battlefield while they sat back on their radios and mana detectors twiddling their thumbs!
Just as panic seemed ready to set in, Tanya took a deep breath. Delaying action, huh? Fine, she could do that. Her expression twisted into a sort of calm acceptance.
“Actually, fuck this. I’m going to save the day myself. I expect a medal when I get back.”
"Fairy 08?"
Oops. She hadn’t realized the radio was still on. Well, there were ways to deal with that. Right now, that “dead weight” metal backpack she’d been griping to herself about would make a fine distraction.
The plausible deniability for her earlier remarks would also be nice.
“Fairy 08, could you repeat-”
The operator’s voice cut out as Tanya ripped off her radio pack. A quick flip to face her unwelcome guests gave her just enough time to line up a good throw.
One unlucky pursuer received broken nose and a face full of radio. He then became even more unlucky, losing several few essential pieces to well-placed piercing spells. The rest of the platoon then watched in shock and horror their broken-nosed, hole-strewn comrade was blown up alongside another of their members in a single well-placed explosion spell.
Smoke propagated from the blast, creating a cover screen for Tanya to slip behind.
“Bastard! You’ll pay for that!”
I don’t really blame you, but you attacked me first! Honestly.
The two remaining members of the platoon approached her last position in a fit of rage, with a second platoon approaching to provide backup.
Meanwhile, Tanya waited in the smoke.
I was a bit worried about being forced to stay as a lower-ranked soldier throughout my career, especially considering my youth, but apparently these guys want to help me on the fast track!
She prepped an illusion spell as quickly as she could. Hopefully these guys weren’t competent enough to not rely on just sight. Given how easily the first two had gone done though, she had a feeling they weren’t very good.
Make it look like you fought hard, then leave the battlefield in a natural way. That’s how you advance in the military. This way I can prove my worth and secure a peaceful life. Maybe the Instructor’s Unit will want to take me in? It’s a bit of a shame these guys have to die for my promotion though. Eh, better them than me.
Sure, the enemy had the numbers advantage, and sure, this was her first mission as a mere artillery observer. But she had the most important thing going for her in this fight right now. Speed, and the element of surprise.
Honestly, if you’re going to attack someone, you better expect retaliation. That goes for your country too, you future corpses. Though, as much as I love my Fatherland, I have a feeling this is going to get a bit out of hand.
The second platoon approached her position, linking up with the two survivors of the first.
Right as the smoke cleared, Tanya preempted any plans they might have made by setting her illusion in place and ascending. A male officer from the group charged her double, his mage blade readied.
Hook, line, and sinker.
“I’ve got you- Huh?” The young mage questioned as the image of Tanya shimmered out of existence.
“It’s an illusion, watch out!” One of his comrades called out frantically. Tanya’s enemies searched the air frantically, looking for any sign of the demon they had made the mistake of attacking.
It is a simple fact that when searching, most people do not think to look up. You’d think aerial mages would be more aware of the area above them when their very nature relied on the concept of operating in all three dimensions.
The rage-filled, mage blade wielding fellow from earlier seemed to realize this. He glanced directly up and let out a gasp of shock.
“There-!”
Unfortunately for him, he was swiftly forced into the proper state of mind for such a conflict. As in, his mind became splattered somewhere on the ground below after Tanya cut through his neck with piercing spell.
The others caught on quickly after that.
“She’s above us! Fire!”
But not quickly enough.
Yet another fake Tanya faded from view as their shots tore through it.
“Again? Where is she?!”
Tanya dropped down from the group of five’s blind spot. They really should have known better than to group up like this. She wrapped her arms tight around the neck of another unfortunate young mage, her eyes glowing beginning to glow a vibrant crimson.
Oops, young mage wasn’t entirely correct. Dead mage fit much better.
Anson Sioux, the company’s Head Commander and currently floating with the rest of the third and final platoon, felt his eyes widen as the gravity of the situation sunk in.
He jerked forward, yelling, “Get away! She’s going to-”
BOOOM
“-explode…” Anson stopped and grit his teeth. It was just one artillery spotter. How the hell did this go south so quickly?
“Fall back! We can’t stay any longer! Grab any survivors and fall back!”
Unseen to the retreating men, a body fell slowly to the trees below.
Well that fucking smarts. Ah, but I’m alive at least. If they’d attacked all at once I would have been a goner for sure. No way I could have held them all off the way I am now... Still, the difference in quality between Imperial mages and anyone else is astounding. Not to brag or anything.
A pained grin stretched across her battered and burned face.
That’s how it’s goes. Tanya Degurechaff, leaving the battlefield with style. Ah but this landing is going to hurt too.
She was correct on all accounts.
-=-=-=-
June 1923
Northern Army 3rd Garrison
Imperial Norden, Empire
“…in holding back the enemy past her expected duties and obtaining a stunning 8 confirmed kills, Second Lieutenant Tanya Degurechaff has hereby been awarded the Silver Wings Assault Medal.”
The officer reading the notice stepped aside, letting a different officer pin the medal to the front of Tanya’s hospital gown. The group surrounding her medical bed began clapping and offering congratulations.
She could only offer a tired grin in response.
You know, when I said I expected a medal, I was joking. Getting recognized for your achievements is great and all, but… I did too much. Those bastards will probably just use this as an excuse to make me fight more.
-=-=-=-
Later that Year, 1923
Kruskos Army Air Corps Testing Lab
Southwest of Berun, Empire
“All four cores are in operation. Sync levels are at 50% and rising, sir.”
Clouds dotted the air, backdropped by a greyish-blue sky. A slight breeze brushed by as a blonde-haired mage made her ascent.
“Excellent!” Doctor Adelheid von Schugel exclaimed. “Lieutenant, how does my masterpiece feel?”
“It works like a dream, Doctor. The old single-core orb doesn’t compare in the slightest.”
The Elenium Type 95 was a marvel of science. Previous orbs consisted of a single core only. This new model featured four. Four! And to top it off, the new chassis was only slightly larger than older models thanks to the genius of Doctor Schugel and his team. Truly a marvel.
Up till now though, no one could use it properly. A big problem in terms of logistics, and a massive problem if Schugel wanted more funding for his inventions. What was the point of a powerful computation orb that no one could feasibly use?
“Perfect!” Schugel replies, excitement clear in his tone. “Now, the theoretical height is 18000, so keep climbing!”
Normally, I’d say to keep the theoretical away from the practical, but this orb is astounding. Testing is such a great job. I was expecting to have something exploding in my face by now.
Tanya’s brow furrowed. Her eyes, glowing golden from the four-core orb’s output, adopted a mildly concerned look.
The General Staff will probably want such a powerful tool on the frontlines. And I’m the only mage who can get this thing above even 10% sync level. Dammit. There goes my safe deployment in the rear. At least with power like this, enemy mages won’t stand a chance. Small mercies.
-=-
Tanya touched down lightly in front of the research facility. Schugel rushed out to meet her.
“It worked just like I thought it would! You really are remarkable, Lieutenant Degurechaff. It makes sense that my remarkable invention would find use in the hands of such a remarkable young woman!”
“Ah, thank you, Doctor. But don’t give me all the credit.” Tanya smiled. “This device is yours after all. I wouldn’t be able to use it if you hadn’t made it in the first place.”
Tanya handed the Type 95 off to a waiting assistant of Schugel’s and began making her way to the equipment locker room. The Doctor walked with her.
“I do have a question though, Doctor.” Tanya side eyed the man. “You never explained why I specifically was requested.”
“Oh? Well, it’s quite simple actually.” Schugel said with the air of a man who knew he was a genius and wanted other to know about it. Tanya would allow him it. His four-core computation orb was pretty great. “You see, the other testers for the Type 95 were all wrong for the job. Wrong! I ran the numbers. I checked the backgrounds. Everyone that tested my creation before was too old or too experienced. Or both! I formed a hypothesis to why this is. And after today’s results I finally think I’ve figured it out. My conclusion?”
He gestured grandly with his arms. Tanya absentmindedly ducked the swing.
“The four-core system requires new ways of thinking! A brand-new perspective! Currently, mages are taught to utilize single core orbs. It’s not their fault of course. That’s all we have, so they don’t know better. These single-core orbs are fine for flying below 6000 and casting a few mildly impressive fireworks, but the Type 95 is so much more than that! It can compute way more formulae than any other, and at the same time to boot! The extra cores allow for concentrated mana storage and for the creation of previously unheard-of magical phenomena in the physical world! It’s not something a linear mentality could handle. A flexible mind is key to its proper utilization!”
The Second Lieutenant lowered her head in thought.
“So, you needed someone younger? Someone less attuned to the specific way Imperial mages use mana. ” Tanya glanced back up at Schugel. “The mana required is much greater too. So, you also needed someone with a higher mana reserves and efficiency.”
“Precisely, Lieutenant! Talking with you is always a breath of fresh air.” He grinned. It was a bit maniacal, which Tanya would secretly admit was a little creepy. “Once I heard about the 15-year-old aerial mage prodigy who had earned the Silver Wings Assault Medal, I knew you were perfect for the Type 95. And I was right! You’ve proven that in just one day. We’ll need to run more tests. You capped out at 58.7%, and I’m we can keep pushing that number higher with more testing.”
58.7% huh? That's a good baseline compared to everyone else that's tried it. I'd prefer it to be higher, but I'll have to see just how much I can do with the level I'm at now.
They shared a companionable silence for a moment.
“As nice as that is to hear, Doctor, I’m afraid I won’t be here long.”
“Oh? Why do you say that?”
A troubled expression shadowed her face.
“The war will pick back up soon, and I’m a young, powerful mage who was just shown to have the ability to operate a four-core computation orb. The General Staff will want me on the frontlines as soon as possible.”
She sighed.
“Jeez, I nearly died on my first operation out of Cadet School. Can’t they let us soldiers catch a break?”
“They wouldn’t be the top of our Imperial meritocracy otherwise. Leaving a valuable asset as an equipment tester would be foolish on their part.” Schugel shook his head. “Regardless, the Type 95 will be yours to keep if and when that happens. You’re the only one who can use it, anyway, so use it well. Until then, we’ll have you test the Type 95 some more. No time to waste around here.”
Two days later, a letter arrived notifying Tanya of her transfer to the Western front., just as she’d expected.
The Francois Republic wouldn’t know what hit them.
-=-=-=-
Indeterminate Time
Indeterminate Space
Heavenly Realm
“Man, I’m beat. Managing reincarnation can be a real bitch at times.”
Being X leaned back in a chair that hadn’t been there a second before. His shift guiding the wheel of reincarnation was on pause for now. Being Y had finally decided to clock in.
“Time to watch one of my favorite worlds. I wonder how that one girl is doing?”
A screen appeared, floating in midair. Being X leaned forward in obvious interest.
“Oh ho? That relic is nearing Deity-level powers. Germania has some truly advanced tech for their age.”
Another look filled him with amusement.
“Oh? Only Tanya can use it? How unexpected.” A smirk formed on his face. “I’m not too surprised though. Of anyone, it makes sense the little prophet can operate it. Oh, but I do wonder if it will be enough to save her precious Empire?”
The deity chortled in amusement.
“Her life will be an interesting one. Even more so if I interfere from time to time. Whether they win or lose is of no concern of mine. I simply want it to be entertaining. Now, where’s my popcorn…?”