Arc 2

  I stared up in awe at the towering portal terminal located in the skeletal remains of the Financial District of the old city. It was an imposing structure, with gleaming metal gates that shimmered in the sunlight.

  The Shoreline City terminal complex served both as a staging area for Terran forces, as well as a trade center for interworld commerce. The main building loomed large over the complex, housing multiple terminals that allowed travel between New York and Shoreline City.

  Doctor Hinokawa walked beside me, his eyes scanning the area with a mix of nostalgia and sorrow.

  "Quite something, isn't it?" Doctorr Hinokawa stated, gesturing towards the portal. "A permanent bridge between worlds. The result of… what could be argued was a natural disaster.”

  "Y-Yeah," I stammered, my voice filled with wonder. "It's incredible, Doctor Hinokawa."

  “Please, Ikki. Call me Elio from now on,” he corrected me gently, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. “You're not a child anymore. Although you may be young, you're stepping into a role that will demand much of you."

  I nodded, feeling a swell of anxiety rise within me. I glanced down at the silver chrysanthemum necklace Izumi had given me, gripping it for a moment. Elio led me into the bustling terminal, and I couldn't help but marvel at what I saw.

  There were people from both Earth and Terra moving around the concourse, with an air of purpose and possibility. Beyond a station marked as the 'Trade Terminal', I saw a crate of sleek Earth-made laptops being inspected next to an open box of glowing crystals, each emitting a soft hum.

  I could feel the warmth radiating from the crystals, even at this distance.

  "This is incredible," I muttered, my heart racing. "I never imagined it would be so busy."

  Although, I did note that nearly all of the people traveling back and forth were Terrans and nobody looked remotely like me. I guess it made sense, considering Earth's state compared to the flourishing world of Terra. I was the odd one out here.

  Elio chuckled, nodding. "Tell me. Do you remember my lessons on why cities like New York are important?"

  I nodded, vaguely recalling our conversations. "Yes, Dr. Hinokawa—er, Elio," I corrected myself. "They're centers of commerce culture, and innovation. But they're also vulnerable, as we saw during the Collapse."

  Elio's eyes sparkled with pride, and he patted me on the back.

  "But why exactly are cities like Chicago, Hamburg, Istanbul, Paris and New York so important, why are they economic powerhouses?" Elio quizzed me, watching me with interest.

  I paused, thinking. "Hmm... well, I'd guess it's because they're located along coasts or major bodies of water like rivers. It makes trade easier and opens up more opportunities."

  "Indeed. Geography is inextricably tied to a city, province, or nation's destiny. Ultimately, trade is the lifeblood of civilization. Maritime transport, especially, has been pivotal in shaping world history and prosperity. Tell me — why do you think that is?"

  I frowned, racking my brain for the answer. "Is it because ships can go to more places not limited to rails and roads, right?"

  Elio smiled, nodding. "That's part of it. But there's more. Transport by land is limited in capacity, uses more energy resources, and is often more dangerous these days. The cost of transporting goods by road or rail is significantly higher than by water, making maritime trade a far more economical option. That is, assuming one has access to a body of water."

  We walked past a group of men with green hair in business suits, their voices hushed in conversation as they passed us. Elio's eyes followed them, and they nodded slightly, as if in recognition.

  "How much more efficient are we talking about?" I asked, intrigued.

  "Ah, that's an interesting question," Elio replied, his eyes sparkling. "In terms of efficiency and cost, maritime transport can move more goods further, faster, and at a lower cost compared to land transportation. For example, a single ship can carry the equivalent of hundreds of trucks worth of goods, while consuming far less fuel. In the pre-collapse world - the effective cost of land transport was ten times that of sea. Now, it is significantly more, factoring the price of fuel and the risks on the road. We are looking at ratios of thirty times or more."

  "Wow," I breathed, my mind spinning with the implications. "I knew it was significant but not over an order of magnitude."

  Elio chuckled. "Most people don't, but it's a fundamental aspect of global trade and development. Crossworld now, even. As it stands, though, New York allows for easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and multiple river systems across North America, facilitating both external and internal trade. That's what makes this place, and others like it, so crucial."

  He continued, his gaze fixed on the bustling terminal around us. "Shoreline City is in a near-identical geograpical position on its planet. A similar island between two rivers. But, unlike New York, its infrastructure is still fully intact, —including the seaports. And it is one of the few bridges between our worlds that is conveniently located."

  I nodded, trying to imagine these trade routes like the little blood vessels that connected our organs. It was fascinating, and I could see why Elio was so invested in his work.

  Elio coughed, before continuing again. "The United States is rather unique for having a large, interconnected river system stretching over three-quarters of the nation that is navigable year-round. On top of that, there are production facilities along all of the subsystems that provide all the resources a population needs — from rich, highly productive agricultural fields to raw metals and fossil fuels. This network of rivers and canals allows for staggeringly efficient movement of goods across the entire continent. The nation's natural advantage has allowed the nation to avoid an outright collapse, when most of the other major world powers have fared significantly worse.”

  “I had no idea,” I said, amazed by the complexity of it all. “I mean, I know they're important, but I never really thought about how rivers of all things keep stuff going. So, the geography itself played a crucial role in the nation's resilience? Why we’re still relatively well-off and recovering as a nation?"

  "Precisely," Elio replied. "Suffice to say, there are still major cities along the river critical for logistics that need to be reclaimed, such as Chicago and New Orleans. They will be crucial for reestablishing the full potential of the internal network. The same principle applies to Shoreline City on Terra. Its location makes it a critical hub for trade and commerce, vital for the prosperity of our counterparts. The ‘sister’ cities, so to speak, are not only critical economic centers for both nations, but also symbolic and historical cultural capitals. Without the ports of New Orleans, Savannah, Houston, and New York in total operation, full recovery will not be possible."

  I nodded, absorbing the information. The significance of these port cities was becoming clear to me. They were more than just dots on a map; they were lifelines and vital organs.

  “The number of nation-states at the peak of globalization that could sustain their populations and energy without maritime trade could… sadly be counted on two hands, in hindsight." Elio explained somberly. “Practices that had been built up over decades had optimized the world for economic growth. However, that same optimization meant that large, powerful nations such as South Korea or the People's Republic of China could foster populations far greater than food and energy sourced regionally could ever hope to sustain through internal logistics alone.”

  My mind raced with the implications, and harrowing childhood memories of watching the world go to hell on the news. "So, countries that relied heavily on food and energy imports..."

  Elio nodded, “You were no doubt bombarded with live footage depicting the Second Arab Spring as you grew up. Like the First Arab Spring, it was largely driven by a sudden scarcity in wheat and fertilizer flows from Eastern Europe, leading to a snowball of hunger and unrest. Oil production and exports ceased overnight. And subsequently, when oil ceased flowing from the Persian Gulf, the rest of Eurasia ground to a halt. The chaos that ensued killed far more people than the Aberrations could ever manage directly. It also created openings for opportunists such as the modern Great Powers —the Neo-Ottoman Caliphate and the protectorates under the Rising Sun Hegemony namely, to capitalize on the breakdown and expand their influence."

  I tried to process the scale of such a disaster. It was like a domino effect, with one event leading to another, each more devastating than the last.

  Elio cleared his throat. “But I digress. The key point I was trying to make with this lecture is that Shoreline City, where you will be studying, is much like New York City was before the Fall. It's a place where dreams are made, where wealth and opportunity flow like the rivers it opens up into. Like its counterpart, it is the economic center of Terra. However, this isn't about Shoreline City itself. It's about both worlds and the potential that lies in re-establishing the connection between these sister cities." Elio looked at me intently, his eyes serious. "This is a chance to change the future of this city, your nation, and world. Do you understand?"

  I swallowed hard, the gravity of his words settling on my shoulders. "I do," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "So, if I read between the lines. If Shoreline is the economic center of Terra then..."

  Elio nodded, seeing the realization dawning on me. "As New York is to Earth, and the United States. Just being on the other side of the portal will mean this city will rapidly recover as goods flow in and out. It's an incredible opportunity, Ikki. And that is why our few representatives mingling with their elites are so important."

  I clenched my fists at my sides. I'd always wanted to help people, to make a difference.

  I was one of a handful of students who had been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in a completely different world. We had a responsibility to not only learn, but to represent our home, to bridge the gap between these worlds.

  New York City was in shambles right now, but it had the potential to rise again. It was a city with a rich history and highly strategic location. It was a symbol of resilience and hope. But for that potential to be realized, we had to make sure the right decisions were being made.

  "I get it, Doctor. I mean, Elio," I corrected myself quickly. "It's a huge responsibility, but I'm up for the challenge."

  Elio smiled, his expression warm. "I have no doubt you are, my boy. I have no doubt you will make us all proud."

  The Doctor led me to a separate line marked 'Diplomatic Passports', where we were greeted by a security officer with a stern but respectful demeanor. The worker at the gate, a tall woman with striking blue hair and red eyes, looked up from her desk. Her eyes widened slightly in recognition as she saw Elio.

  "Ambassador," she greeted with a respectful nod.

  Elio offered her a warm smile. "Good morning, Marissa. This is Ikazuchi. He'll be crossing over to Shoreline City with me today."

  Marissa's gaze shifted to me, and I felt a surge of nervous energy. "Welcome, Ikazuchi," she said in a professional but kind tone.

  I reached into a fanny pack I had on, and retrieved my passport and other documents needed for the crossing. Marissa scanned them meticulously, her fingers moving with practiced efficiency.

  "Everything appears to be in order," she said, handing back the documents. "I wish you a fruitful stay on Terra, Ikazuchi."

  Elio led me through the gate, and the portal loomed ahead, its energy pulsing in a rhythm that seemed to resonate with my own breathing. I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation.

  This was it. The threshold between worlds.

  Elio placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and looked at me with an understanding smile. "Are you ready, Ikki?"

  I hesitated for a moment before answering, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes," I said, almost whispering. "Yes, I am."

  The portal hummed, and I felt a surge of energy envelop us as we stepped through. It was a sensation was like nothing I had ever experienced — a sudden feeling of being disconnected from everything, and then a woosh as reality instantly reasserted itself.

  I let out a breath, I didn’t even know I was holding as I took in the Terran side of the terminal.

  Everything on this side was so clean and opulent, in huge contrast to the bleak, rundown and underfunded buildings that I had grown accustomed to. The floors shone with a polish that reflected the light in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. Elegant digital displays floated seamlessly in the air, displaying public transit information in a mesmerizing dance of light and color.

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  The architecture was a marvel in itself, with sweeping curves and intricate designs that spoke of a deep appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. It was like stepping into a scene from a science fiction movie, only this was real, tangible. What little I could see here was a far cry from the battle-scarred streets of Earth where every day was a struggle for survival.

  I briefly winced as my backpack shifted, pressing against my tender bruises. Luckily, it was a momentary pain that I could push aside.

  Elio led us through the terminal, his strides purposeful. I trailed behind him, my eyes darting around, trying to take in every detail. The air was filled with a blend of soft chimes and the gentle whirr of machinery in the complex, making it feel like a different planet altogether.

  We quickly arrived at a counter with an official-looking plaque that read 'Diplomatic Clearance'. It was manned by an officer who looked... much less welcoming than Marissa was. She had platinum blonde hair with ink-black eyes, and looked dangerously beautiful. Her eyes were sharp and evaluating, and they lingered on me with an air of skepticism.

  "Elio Hinokawa, Ambassador for the United States of America, and this is Ikazuchi, my ward and exchange student," Elio introduced us. He handed over his documentation and my passport. The officer's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the papers and then shifted to scrutinize me.

  With a flick of her wrist, she projected the papers onto a holographic display. Her fingers danced over the floating images, scrutinizing every detail.

  There was a palpable tension in the air as she looked up, her gaze fixed on me. "A teenager with a full student visa, huh?" she remarked, her tone laced with a hint of disdain. "We don't see many of your kind here. Make sure you don't cause any trouble."

  I felt a flush of embarrassment rise in my cheek, and Elio, sensing my discomfort, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

  "Officer, I assure you Ikazuchi is here on an esteemed scholarship and will conduct himself with the utmost respect and decorum," he interjected smoothly.

  The officer scoffed, her gaze still locked on me. "We'll see about that. Some unsavory sorts have been slipping through as of late."

  With a final flourish, she stamped our documents and handed them back to Elio. "You're free to go," she stated dismissively.

  Elio offered her a polite nod. "Thank you, Officer."

  She gave a noncommittal hum, stamping the paperwork with an air of resignation. "Alright, everything's in order. Welcome to Shoreline City, Ikazuchi," she said flatly, handing back my documents with a frown.

  "Thank you, ma'am," I responded quietly, taking the papers.

  As we walked away, I felt a twinge of unease settle in my stomach. That exchange had left a sour taste in my mouth, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being judged and found lacking. I looked over my shoulder uneasily, wondering if I was imagining things.

  But no, there was something in her expression, a certain coldness that made me feel like an outsider.

  "Ah, don't let her get to you, Ikki. She's just doing her job," Elio reassured me with a gentle pat on my back. "Not everyone is as open-minded as you might expect."

  I frowned, not entirely convinced. "It's okay," I replied quietly. "I'm kinda used to it."

  Elio's brow furrowed at my response, but he didn't press further. He led me towards another series of sliding doors that hissed open as we approached. We stepped into a gleaming, white-walled corridor that seemed to stretch on into an underground abyss. The walls were lined with intricate patterns, their surfaces gleaming in the soft, warm light that emanated from the ceiling.

  We descended a series of gleaming escalators before taking an elevator down. Our path took us to a quieter part of the terminal, away from the bustling crowds. And then, we found ourselves in an area that looked more utilitarian — the garage.

  I couldn’t help but gape at the vast space before me, which was filled with surprisingly mundane vehicles. They looked like run-of-the-mill Ford, GM, and Chrysler models for the most part, albeit in much better condition.

  "It's largely businessmen and relief forces that come through here," Elio explained, noticing my curious gaze. "We don't exactly have freedom of movement between worlds, but a few select organizations are granted access to the portal. They're mostly here to facilitate trade and aid, and visas are quite limited in number. Shoreline City is a very prestigious place to live."

  The garage was vast and dimly lit, filled with rows of vehicles of various shapes and sizes. Elio headed towards a humble corner of the garage, where a modest blue sedan was parked.

  It was an old Hyundai Ioniq, simple and unassuming in design, with a few scratches and dents marking its metallic surface. Elio approached it with a gentle familiarity, patting the hood affectionately, before clicking a switch in his hand.

  The car beeped in response, the sound almost nostalgic to my ears. Elio opened the driver's door and gestured for me to take the passenger seat. I complied, settling into the worn but comfortable leather. The Doc slid into the driver's seat with a smooth and practiced motion.

  As we got in, I noticed a print-out picture tucked into the sun visor. It was a high school photo, faded with age. Elio looked younger, more innocent somehow, his hair a little messier. He was flanked by two girls — one a grinning Asian girl wearing pink, her hand flashing a peace sign.

  The other was a sporty brunette with a sweatshirt tied around her waist in short-shorts with toned, shapely legs. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, and she had dark eyes with her arms crossed in a scowl.

  Elio, sandwiched between them, looked slightly awkward, as if he wasn't quite sure where to place his hands or how to hide his braces while smiling.

  "That's a nice picture," I commented, pointing to it.

  Elio glanced at it and chuckled softly. "That's from my high school days on… Earth. The girl in pink is Jenny, and the one with the scowl is Maria. They were my best friends back then. Jenny was always the cheerful artsy one. A bit of a gremlin, even. And Maria... Well, she was a bit more of a serious, overachieving type. I wasn’t sure why the two of them became friends with someone like me. I mean, I was the quiet, awkward, bookish type who always had his nose in a history book or science fiction novel or another. But there we were, an unlikely trio."

  "It's hard to imagine you as anything but composed," I said, a bit surprised. "I mean, you always seem so... put together."

  Elio laughed, a genuine, hearty sound as he adjusted his glasses. "Oh, I was anything but composed back then, Ikki. I had my share of awkward, clumsy moments."

  "It's kinda hard to imagine you like that, Elio," I replied. "You've always been so… larger than life."

  He nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Time changes us all, Ikki. And I do miss those times. It was a simpler, happier time in my life. We were in a very competitive school, you see, but we’d always find ourselves in... unexpected adventures. The two of them always found themselves in the middle of something extraordinary. Somehow, someway. And somehow, I always ended up being part of their escapades. It was a miracle I managed to keep up with them and our core friend group."

  I couldn't help but be curious about his high school experience. "Well, sounds like you guys were anything but ordinary… to think there was a pair that could even give you a run for your money. Sounds hard to believe.”

  Elio's eyes flickered with a hint of nostalgia. "Let's just say they were very committed to making a difference. Always eager to help, always ready to take on challenges in our extracurriculars. I guess I was the quieter one, the planner, always trying to make sure we didn't get in over our heads. To overcome insurmountable odds together. The three of us were a team. We were inseparable back then, like family."

  His tone was light, but I sensed he was skirting around something deeper, something he wasn't ready to share. It was clear that the two were significant parts of his life, and I had a feeling their high school days were more eventful than most.

  "Was… was one of them your wife?" I asked hesitantly.

  The Doctor's expression shifted subtly, a touch of sorrow mingling with fond memories. "Yes, Jenny was indeed my wife. We married young, while we were in college. She was an incredible person, full of life and passion."

  His words hung in the air, and I realized there was a story there, one of love and probably loss.

  "I'm sorry," I said quietly, unsure of what else to say as I realized who exactly Jenny and Maria were.

  Elio shrugged off my apology with a gentle smile. "Don't be. Life has its twists and turns, but the memories, they stay with us. Jenny... she left a lasting impact on many lives. Certainly including mine.”

  The Doctor shifted gears and started the engine. It hummed to life, a low, soothing rumble that filled the garage. "We should get going. It's a bit of a drive to your new apartment, Ikki. You'll be staying in the Industrial District of the city at Greenhaven. It's a bustling area that's turned into an American enclave in this world, and it's a close commute to the school."

  Elio's words made me curious. "What's it like? The Industrial District, I mean," I asked.

  He sighed. "It's a little rough around the edges. The Northern Coalition's culture and system of governance here may have similar philosophical roots as the U.S.A and Canada, but the native Iroquois have a... different perspective on things. Shoreline City has turned into an international melting pot, but the Terrans only have around 1 billion people across the entire planet, compared to our 5 billion. You'll see a lot of Earthborn migrants working the docks, in the factories, on the roads, or in the fields. Greenhaven is the largest of the migrant enclaves that have cropped up in the Industrial District. It's a bit of an American cultural bubble in this world. You'll be living in a part of town that is a bit more familiar, and not as exotic as the rest of the city."

  I nodded, taking in the information. The car purred as he pulled out of the garage and I watched with my mouth agape as we came out onto a brightly lit street.

  The streets around the portal terminal were clean and well-maintained, without a speck of trash or debris to be seen. We'd come out in some sort of downtown area. The buildings here were tall, shimmering in the sunlight with polished facades. The streets were bustling, filled with both cars and people, moving about their daily routines.

  It wasn't too different from the pre-Collapse major cities I'd seen in the movies and old television shows, but the people here looked healthy and happy, with a certain vitality to their movements. It was a sharp contrast to the haggard, weary faces of the people in New York. I also noted that there was no one who looked like me. Everyone had wild hair colors and odd eye shades, making me stick out like a sore thumb.

  As we drove through the city, Elio pointed out landmarks and gave me a brief tour. "Shoreline City is a city partitioned into functional districts. Here, you'll find the Government District, where all the political decisions are made. It's a symbol of power and influence. We're currently crossing over into the Commerce District, which is the heart of the city's economy. Here, you'll find the city's most upscale restaurants and shops, as well as the city's mana exchange."

  I looked around, taking in the sights. The buildings here were sleek and modern, rising high into the sky. There was an energy in the air that was palpable, a sense of ambition and prosperity.

  "Over there," Elio pointed to a group of towering skyscrapers, "is the heart of the Commerce District, where you'll find the mana exchange, the central bank, and other financial institutions. The mana exchange is particularly fascinating — it's a complex market where magical resources are traded and valued based on their rarity and potency."

  "I guess that's where I'm going to trade in my cores, then," I said, looking at the towering structures in awe. "It's all a little overwhelming, to be honest. I mean, magic? Mana? It's like something out of a movie."

  Elio chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It was a shock for me too when I first arrived here. I was like a fish out of water, struggling to understand even the basics of their society. But the more I learned, the more fascinated I became. Their culture is rich and diverse, and their use of magic is simply astonishing. Actually... speak of the devil."

  A flurry of movement about two stories above the ground caught my attention. A girl with a purple, billowing dress had an oversized paintbrush in hand, painting on the side of a balcony wall in broad strokes of brilliant, shining color. She had dark purple hair and stormy blue eyes. Her hair was done up in a high braided ponytail that reached her mid back, with bangs and long side fringes that framed her face.

  The way she glided through the air with the oversized brush was mesmerizing, and the colors on the wall seemed to shift and dance in response to her brushstrokes.

  A petite figure with a beret sat nearby, watching her. The observer was a small girl in a military-style uniform. She had long, wavy, untamed blonde hair. I couldn't make out the finer details of her features, but the intensity in her stance was unmistakable.

  "Magical Girls?" I asked, my voice filled with wonder.

  "Yes," Elio replied, his eyes fixed on them.

  "They're so. Well. Beautiful," I murmured, blushing as I watched the Magical Girl in action. She was painting a lakeside scene, the colors coming to life under her brush. The painting seemed to shimmer and move, like it was a living thing. The colors shifted and danced, creating a gorgeous spectacle.

  I turned to Elio, my eyes wide. "What's she doing?"

  "When they aren't training or hunting Aberrations, they use their powers to raise spirits and beautify their resident cities. Chaos Events occur randomly, but they happen more frequently when negative emotions and feelings fester in an area. Some of them are quite eccentric, and their hobbies are usually tied to their magic in some way or another. Each Magical Girl has a unique set of powers, tied to a particular concept or theme."

  Elio's gaze lingered on the Magical Girls, admiration and concern on his face. "There are many like her, scattered across Terra. They play a crucial role in maintaining stability and order in this world. Nobody knows why they appeared in the nineteenth century, and it's a complete mystery to Terrans, even. They just showed up one day. However, there are many who see them as protectors, symbols of hope. The Magical Girls are as revered as they are feared, and they're an essential part of this world's ecosystem. You'll likely have a chance to meet a couple at the academy."

  A record screech went off in my head.

  I was going to go to school with real life Magical Girls? What?

  "Wait, what?" I said aloud. "Say that again?"

  "So. About Magical Girls... One of the perks of being one is that they have a fast track to the most elite international schools in the world. You will be attending a school full of the most powerful individuals on this planet, and it is statistically unlikely that you will not encounter a Magical Girl at St. Antonia's. Many of the people in the school are connected to the Northern Coalition's nobility and political elites."

  My mind reeled, trying to process the information. "So I'm going to a school with real Magical Girls, and they're like royalty or something?" I asked, disbelief evident in my voice.

  "Yes. Although, most of them will likely not be nobility. Many of them come from common backgrounds, but they are still powerful and influential in their own way," Elio explained, his voice full of warmth and understanding.

  I stared out the window, watching as the cityscape passed by.

  "I can't believe it. I mean, it's a whole different world," I murmured, more to myself than to Elio. "It's like I'm in a dream or hallucinating."

  Elio nodded, his eyes full of wisdom and understanding. "I felt the same way when I first arrived here. It can be overwhelming, but I believe you'll thrive in this environment."

  I gulped, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I hope so. I really do. Thank you for everything, Dr. Hinokawa. I mean, Elio."

  He smiled warmly at me. "I'm proud of you, Ikki. And remember, I'm always a phone call away if you need anything."

  I looked back at the purple haired Magical Girl as she painted the wall. Her figure slowly shrunk in the distance, the car gliding smoothly down the street.

  I sighed and leaned back in my seat. "Sheesh, what have I gotten myself into?" I muttered under my breath.

  Elio chuckled, his eyes twinkling.

  "You're about to find out, Ikki. You're about to find out..."