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So for the past year, I’ve been infatuated with an anime from over 30 years ago called Aura Battler Dunbine. It’s made by Yoshiyuki Tomino of Gundam fame, also known for offing most of his cast during the early start of his career. After making the original Mobile Suit Gundam, he went to create this science fantasy/isekai masterpiece that is the Dunbine series.
The Dunbine universe involves two worlds, the alternate world of Byston Well and our world, also known as Upper Earth or the Surface World. Byston Well takes place in a world in between the sea and land where souls of the moving go to in a cycle of reincarnation. It also becomes the home of unusual fantasy creatures, medieval conflicts, and Aura Machines, mass-produced vehicles that run on one’s lifeforce or willpower.
At first, I only knew the series thanks to Super Robot Wars and Knight’s & Magic, where the main character was a more heroic version of one of Dunbine’s antagonists. But after watching the entire series, it’s safe to say that it has become one of my favorite and most influential mecha, fantasy, and isekai series of all time. Below are my top 5 reasons as to why I enjoy one of the earliest isekai anime and perhaps, one of the best.
Please be advised, spoilers are ahead.
5. Diverse and Realistic Cast
Now, being summoned into another world is a staple to any isekai series. What makes Dunbine stand out is how it defies the common stereotypes of such stories.
To start, Byston Well isn’t your typical isekai world. Despite having robots, fairies, unicorns, mermaids, witches, and cute princesses, it’s no Wonderland or Neverland as its also full of creatures and supernatural beings that’ll kill you if you’re not careful. Even more so as it operates much like the modern Earth, unlike modern series like Rising of the Shield Hero, Sword Art Online, or Log Horizon, so RPG mechanics will never protect you.
Furthermore, it features a more diverse approach as to what happens when people from Earth get summoned to another world. While reincarnation is a major function in Byston Well, the place isn’t reserved for the young, intelligent, and handsome. It certainly isn’t reserved for people from Japan, despite it being the homeland of the main hero, Shou Zama. Not all of them are heroes as some of the villains are engineers from the United States who are responsible bringing modern technology to Byston Well and, most importantly, the development of Aura Machines.
As I said about Byston Well not being an ideal world, it shows as those summoned don’t see a purpose for being there. One great example is my favorite character, Todd Guinness, a rookie Air Force pilot from Boston; while initially unlikable due to his racist and sexist attitude, he has a complex since he doesn’t see any reason why he should be fighting other than his pride. This is mostly due to fact how they’re all handpicked randomly by the main antagonist, Drake Luft, who is only using them to be part of his army under the guise of being prophesied heroes. In fact, summoning people from another world is a taboo in Byston Well, and quite a number of them merely want to go back home. However, those summoned to Byston Well do end up finding a purpose, and Shou becomes the prophesied hero by his own will in his quest to destroy all Aura Machines used by the villains. Todd also follows a path as not only does he grow out his negative traits, but he also does find a purpose, which is to protect his mother and city from the ongoing war.
So overall, while not anyone’s utopia, Byston Well and those summoned there are as fair as they are.
3. Mythology References
The biggest reason why I love Dunbine is also the biggest spoiler of the series. In the middle of the series, a part of the conflict in Byston Well suddenly gets transported back to the modern world that causes a huge ruckus. But the real selling point here is when the entire cast within Byston Well gets sent there, dragging all of Upper Earth into the conflict.
The result of entire armies with advanced magic-like weaponry from another world getting thrown into modern Earth is exactly what you’d expect. The families of those summoned to Byston Well have mixed reactions, either disbelieving their adventures and treating them like aliens or having to grittily accept them by their circumstances. Earth’s countries are in chaos as they’re stuck between joining Drake’s army, siding with those opposing him, or retaliating against both sides. That means you’ll be seeing a fair amount of Aura Battlers dogfighting fighter planes, fighting naval fleets or tank battalions on the ground, and even taking nuclear ICBMs to the face.
The consequences of the war are harsh, which makes sense considering that it was made during the Cold War, when all life on Earth could end in the blink of an eye. Indeed, the casualties are apocalyptic at times as entire cities are destroyed, millions are blatantly or inferringly killed, and nearly the entire named cast is killed before the war comes to a true end. However, how it all ends is left to those who decide to watch it.
Conclusion
Well, those are my five reasons for enjoying the Dunbine franchise. Let alone isekai and mecha, it’s way beyond your typical bedtime story, which makes it all the more enjoyable. The only disappointment I have is how it doesn’t go through all of what happens on Upper Earth after the events of the original series. There is some conclusion in the New Story OVA series, but there’s still the political fallout regarding the fatalities, destruction, and Byston Well’s overall legacy left behind in Upper Earth afterward. While I have ideas for how to write this out, it’s most likely for Tomino to decide.
Either way, I hope this entry, and the Dunbine series itself, is worth your time.
The Dunbine universe involves two worlds, the alternate world of Byston Well and our world, also known as Upper Earth or the Surface World. Byston Well takes place in a world in between the sea and land where souls of the moving go to in a cycle of reincarnation. It also becomes the home of unusual fantasy creatures, medieval conflicts, and Aura Machines, mass-produced vehicles that run on one’s lifeforce or willpower.
At first, I only knew the series thanks to Super Robot Wars and Knight’s & Magic, where the main character was a more heroic version of one of Dunbine’s antagonists. But after watching the entire series, it’s safe to say that it has become one of my favorite and most influential mecha, fantasy, and isekai series of all time. Below are my top 5 reasons as to why I enjoy one of the earliest isekai anime and perhaps, one of the best.
Please be advised, spoilers are ahead.
5. Diverse and Realistic Cast
Dunbine has loads of characters in it, which is what you’d expect from a Tomino franchise. But what stands out here are the diverse characters from both Byston Well and Upper Earth. There are a decent who are both likable and relatable, even among the villains of the series. Everyone has reasons for why they what they do, and it’s decent to see how they change over time.
4. Summoned Into Another World
4. Summoned Into Another World
Now, being summoned into another world is a staple to any isekai series. What makes Dunbine stand out is how it defies the common stereotypes of such stories.
To start, Byston Well isn’t your typical isekai world. Despite having robots, fairies, unicorns, mermaids, witches, and cute princesses, it’s no Wonderland or Neverland as its also full of creatures and supernatural beings that’ll kill you if you’re not careful. Even more so as it operates much like the modern Earth, unlike modern series like Rising of the Shield Hero, Sword Art Online, or Log Horizon, so RPG mechanics will never protect you.
Furthermore, it features a more diverse approach as to what happens when people from Earth get summoned to another world. While reincarnation is a major function in Byston Well, the place isn’t reserved for the young, intelligent, and handsome. It certainly isn’t reserved for people from Japan, despite it being the homeland of the main hero, Shou Zama. Not all of them are heroes as some of the villains are engineers from the United States who are responsible bringing modern technology to Byston Well and, most importantly, the development of Aura Machines.
As I said about Byston Well not being an ideal world, it shows as those summoned don’t see a purpose for being there. One great example is my favorite character, Todd Guinness, a rookie Air Force pilot from Boston; while initially unlikable due to his racist and sexist attitude, he has a complex since he doesn’t see any reason why he should be fighting other than his pride. This is mostly due to fact how they’re all handpicked randomly by the main antagonist, Drake Luft, who is only using them to be part of his army under the guise of being prophesied heroes. In fact, summoning people from another world is a taboo in Byston Well, and quite a number of them merely want to go back home. However, those summoned to Byston Well do end up finding a purpose, and Shou becomes the prophesied hero by his own will in his quest to destroy all Aura Machines used by the villains. Todd also follows a path as not only does he grow out his negative traits, but he also does find a purpose, which is to protect his mother and city from the ongoing war.
So overall, while not anyone’s utopia, Byston Well and those summoned there are as fair as they are.
3. Mythology References
Touching upon mythology is pretty common in the media, particularly Greek and Norse mythology. Dunbine, on the other hand, takes a more interesting approach and it focuses on fairy mythology and European folklore. Fairies aren’t always that friendly, and witches can be god-like beings that can make normal people feel utterly helpless. But there are those who’ll help those in need and assist people in their quest regardless who they are or where they originated, much line real European folklore.
The same goes for the names of characters and the Aura Machines alike. Some are pretty blatant such as Leprechaun, Spriggan, and Wryneck. Others are derivations or corruptions of such names: Will Wipps = Will-o-Wisp, Gea Gring = Gyre Carling, Fou = Fauth, Botune = Botún. And some require a lot of research as to understand where the name originated: Goraon, the Aura Battleship is named after Gwyllion, a fairy that inhabits mountains where it was constructed; a fish-like Aura Machine called Virunvee is most likely named after Vivienne, one of the names for the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legends; and one of the characters, Nie Given, is derived from Nicniven, the Scottish queen of fairies.
Even now, I’m having trouble where all the names from, which is a fun and interesting journey all by itself.
2. Aura Machines
The same goes for the names of characters and the Aura Machines alike. Some are pretty blatant such as Leprechaun, Spriggan, and Wryneck. Others are derivations or corruptions of such names: Will Wipps = Will-o-Wisp, Gea Gring = Gyre Carling, Fou = Fauth, Botune = Botún. And some require a lot of research as to understand where the name originated: Goraon, the Aura Battleship is named after Gwyllion, a fairy that inhabits mountains where it was constructed; a fish-like Aura Machine called Virunvee is most likely named after Vivienne, one of the names for the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legends; and one of the characters, Nie Given, is derived from Nicniven, the Scottish queen of fairies.
Even now, I’m having trouble where all the names from, which is a fun and interesting journey all by itself.
2. Aura Machines
Fairy mythology references aside, the more influential part is the concept of Aura Machines.
Aura Machines are overall bio-mechanical vehicles that run on a person’s lifeforce. The most common one is the Aura Battler, the franchise’s humanoid mecha. There are also the hovercraft-like Aura Bombers, fighter jet-like Wing Calibers that serve as mounts for Aura Battlers, the more advanced Aura Fighters, multi-legged ground-based Aura Panzers, and the nearly indestructible, kilometer-long Aura Battleships that can store entire fleets of Aura Machines.
The bio-mechanical nature of Aura Machines are what make them unique from all other mecha out there. They’re made from the corpses of Byston Well’s direbeasts, the large and deadly creatures that inhabit Byston Well; their armor is made carapaces and muscle tissue are used for electrical wiring and mechanical movement. They’re pretty much a combination of Super Robots and Real Robots; the former for turning willpower into a weapon capable of warping reality, and the latter as they are mass-producible and prone to mechanical/electrical failures. And most likely for the sake of referencing fairy and European folklore, Aura Battlers look less like insects, fish, birds, dragons, and other monsters rather than humanoid knights and soldiers. You can easily tell they’re Aura Machines just from their appearance alone.
The last remarkable feature of Aura Machines is how their nature and additional auxiliary controls make them available to just about anyone. Whether you’re a sheltered princess from a medieval country, a music teacher with zero military experience, a juvenile delinquent from Japan, a diplomat from the USSR, a kamikaze pilot from World War II...just about anyone from any time and place can use Aura Machines with minimal training and practice. Even the series’ fairies themselves have a role when it comes to pilot assistance and improving their capabilities.
Of course, Aura Machines don’t necessarily make you invincible and pushing them to breaking point can easily kill the pilots. Nonetheless, they’re rides you can only dream of riding.
1. War From Another World
Aura Machines are overall bio-mechanical vehicles that run on a person’s lifeforce. The most common one is the Aura Battler, the franchise’s humanoid mecha. There are also the hovercraft-like Aura Bombers, fighter jet-like Wing Calibers that serve as mounts for Aura Battlers, the more advanced Aura Fighters, multi-legged ground-based Aura Panzers, and the nearly indestructible, kilometer-long Aura Battleships that can store entire fleets of Aura Machines.
The bio-mechanical nature of Aura Machines are what make them unique from all other mecha out there. They’re made from the corpses of Byston Well’s direbeasts, the large and deadly creatures that inhabit Byston Well; their armor is made carapaces and muscle tissue are used for electrical wiring and mechanical movement. They’re pretty much a combination of Super Robots and Real Robots; the former for turning willpower into a weapon capable of warping reality, and the latter as they are mass-producible and prone to mechanical/electrical failures. And most likely for the sake of referencing fairy and European folklore, Aura Battlers look less like insects, fish, birds, dragons, and other monsters rather than humanoid knights and soldiers. You can easily tell they’re Aura Machines just from their appearance alone.
The last remarkable feature of Aura Machines is how their nature and additional auxiliary controls make them available to just about anyone. Whether you’re a sheltered princess from a medieval country, a music teacher with zero military experience, a juvenile delinquent from Japan, a diplomat from the USSR, a kamikaze pilot from World War II...just about anyone from any time and place can use Aura Machines with minimal training and practice. Even the series’ fairies themselves have a role when it comes to pilot assistance and improving their capabilities.
Of course, Aura Machines don’t necessarily make you invincible and pushing them to breaking point can easily kill the pilots. Nonetheless, they’re rides you can only dream of riding.
1. War From Another World
The biggest reason why I love Dunbine is also the biggest spoiler of the series. In the middle of the series, a part of the conflict in Byston Well suddenly gets transported back to the modern world that causes a huge ruckus. But the real selling point here is when the entire cast within Byston Well gets sent there, dragging all of Upper Earth into the conflict.
The result of entire armies with advanced magic-like weaponry from another world getting thrown into modern Earth is exactly what you’d expect. The families of those summoned to Byston Well have mixed reactions, either disbelieving their adventures and treating them like aliens or having to grittily accept them by their circumstances. Earth’s countries are in chaos as they’re stuck between joining Drake’s army, siding with those opposing him, or retaliating against both sides. That means you’ll be seeing a fair amount of Aura Battlers dogfighting fighter planes, fighting naval fleets or tank battalions on the ground, and even taking nuclear ICBMs to the face.
The consequences of the war are harsh, which makes sense considering that it was made during the Cold War, when all life on Earth could end in the blink of an eye. Indeed, the casualties are apocalyptic at times as entire cities are destroyed, millions are blatantly or inferringly killed, and nearly the entire named cast is killed before the war comes to a true end. However, how it all ends is left to those who decide to watch it.
Conclusion
Well, those are my five reasons for enjoying the Dunbine franchise. Let alone isekai and mecha, it’s way beyond your typical bedtime story, which makes it all the more enjoyable. The only disappointment I have is how it doesn’t go through all of what happens on Upper Earth after the events of the original series. There is some conclusion in the New Story OVA series, but there’s still the political fallout regarding the fatalities, destruction, and Byston Well’s overall legacy left behind in Upper Earth afterward. While I have ideas for how to write this out, it’s most likely for Tomino to decide.
Either way, I hope this entry, and the Dunbine series itself, is worth your time.
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Magical Girl Convergence Main Page
5 min read
---
A pair of large wide eyes stared in the face of bright light. Although it didn't exactly suck him in, the waves and ripples that circled around formed a tunnel that attracted him. It was far more than his size, yet only he was tasked to go through it.
For him, he first thought of himself as just a Murlock, an insignificant creature whose only purpose was livestock to humans and worshippers of humans as gods. He was far shorter than a human, being only a quarter of a meter tall. He had black fur on most of his body, which was shaped more like a rabbit, except for his white belly and hands. The only few things he could relate himself to humans were walking on his two feet, his tiny bare hands, his ability to understand and speak the human language, and to think like them.
And yet, one of these human beings looked to him as no different, to whom he turned back. In the cold, dark metal room was an adult woman with short black hair that covered her eyes. This was the woman who took him in from the farming grounds. She educated him, taught him the human language and knowledge in ancient machines...such knowledge that his kind may or may not have forgotten, knowledge forbidden to her kind. Even this was high treason...treason against the Vilag.
"Are you scared," the woman asked him from the darkness.
He remained silent, unsure of what to say. From that moment, the woman approached her and held something in her hand. It was a thin, gold necklace with a white crystal pendant. She placed it around his neck as she continued.
"If you are unsure, just remember that the fate of future hands in the balance. As long as you believe, you can have the power to change this future."
Just then, a large metal crash shook the two as they faced the door, now showing light.
"Go now, Tipler," she called out his name. "Find them...and guide them so that this future never happens. For you, the human race, and for everyone else."
By then, she pushed Tipler forward towards the small wormhole. When he was almost a foot away from the device, he turned back to see the woman making her final stand. The door was already blasted open, and beasts were crawling into the room. The woman fought back as she fired bolts of flame against the wolf-like monsters. Hunterbeasts, he remembered that they were called; each looked like wolves with sharp claws and fangs, the jumping height of a leopard, hides, and bones as strong as steel, and the jaws of a wild boar. These grey-furred monsters came in a pack of six with the primary purpose of hunting down their prey.
Their very existence shook Tipler to the bone, even though the woman already took down one of them with ease. However, she found herself surrounded by them, far more than she can handle. One that passed her already sensed his presence, giving a growl that would intimidate any animal.
Instead, Tipler glared at the beast. Even though the creature was fast, it was still not enough for the Murlock to close the distance. With one quick leap, he launched into the portal before it could get a chance to bite him. He knew he already succeeded in getting away, the moment he found himself accelerating forward.
Cruising through the portal, he faced forward in the hope that he could rewrite the past. For humanity's sake...no, for everything's sake...
---
...
---
The year is 1940, the era of the Second World War.
Years ago, global conflict cast a dark shadow on the world. The war was not created by human powers, but rather an unknown force that waged war on humanity. No one knew exactly where they come from, only that the powers-that-be identified them as "Neuroi." Across the world, these creatures manifested in the sky to establish their hives. By absorbing the landmasses and nearby machines, they formed weapons that cut through all opposition with brutal and deadly efficiency.
Because of the frightening power of this new enemy, humanity was forced to couple together so they could fight back. Their greatest weapon was the Striker Unit, flying leg machines operated by women with the power to operate them. The pilots of these units became known as Witches and were the world's greatest soldiers against the Neuroi. For that, they were honored as heroes.
Even then, not all of humanity was united against this common enemy. In mainland Europe, the almighty Empire of Germania was one of the few nations that did not join the world's fight against the Neuroi. Instead, the Empire took advantage of the devastation in 1939, when they invaded the then powerless nation of Livonia. They then moved westward and absorbed Galia and all of its other nearby neighbors.
The powers of the world denounced the Empire of Germania for neglecting humanity's war against the Neuroi for their own ambitions. Renaming themselves as the Allies, they shifted their agenda to resist their conquests with whatever efforts possible. However, with the two powers' advanced technology, blitzkrieg tactics, and lack of hostility against each other, progress was slow, and humanity was fighting a losing war.
Now the Empire continued its conquests by baring its fangs against its southern neighbor, the Duchy of Elystadt. Despite suffering no attacks, the small nation was burdened by fear for it had no real military strength against its enemies.
However, one young girl believes that she can change the fate of her country. And with it, change the fate of humanity.
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Trinary Law and Role of Anti-Magic
9 min read
I believe it's time to share a primary element of the ULJA universe and how anti-magic is used in this setting.
The world has an unsaid law known as the Trinary Law. This law means that everything is composed of three different attributes with a rock-paper-scissors relationship. Normal-attributed instances including all physical matter follow the rules of the universe and everything scientific. All magic-based entities violate these rules and can manipulate normal instances into doing the same. Anti-magic enforces the universal laws and "natural balances" by nullifying and outright preventing magic's ability to break them. Any magic the force touches is weakened at least and destroyed at worst. However, it cannot affect normal-based instance since they always follow the universal laws.
Anti-magic exists only as a force, but there are ways to utilize this force as a weapon, whether it be through hard science or even the magic it's supposed to counteract. The fact instances of different attributes can be combined together - though anti-magic/magic and AM/M/N combinations are far rarer - make it easier to harness.
Anti-Magic Applications
The Anti-Magic Faction exploited anti-magic through hard science, which resulted in a variety of practical and sometimes incredibly dangerous uses.
Anti-Magic Alloy- A metallic alloy that generates anti-magic around itself. The composition usually includes silver, palladium, or other transition metals that generate force around itself. While the metals have a field on their own, combining them can amplify the effect.
Each type of alloy has a Magic Resistance number, meaning the field nullifies magic’s effectiveness to a degree before contact (i.e., an AM Alloy with an MR rating of 30 reduces magic’s effectiveness by 30%). Furthermore, magic with absolute effects, such as metamorphosis, is negated and cannot affect the material at all. Some alloys are even attracted to magical energies like a magnet, which are the main components for sensors, compasses, and homing weapons.
Feedback Weapon- An explosive weapon that detonates sources of magical energy. When it’s still strong enough, the blast creates a chain reaction by exploding other engulfed sources of mana.
Anti-Magic Flame- When mixed with certain substances, flames can be used to ignite sources of magical energy. Like Feedback Weapons, it only works with concentrations dense enough for combustion. Unlike normal flame, the AM type works more like radiation, which can be fired through walls to ignite a target.
Magic EMP Shockwave- A weapon that fires electric shockwaves. Magic-based constructs are destroyed, magical effects are disabled, and magic wielders are sapped of their mana pool when caught in the shockwave.
The world has an unsaid law known as the Trinary Law. This law means that everything is composed of three different attributes with a rock-paper-scissors relationship. Normal-attributed instances including all physical matter follow the rules of the universe and everything scientific. All magic-based entities violate these rules and can manipulate normal instances into doing the same. Anti-magic enforces the universal laws and "natural balances" by nullifying and outright preventing magic's ability to break them. Any magic the force touches is weakened at least and destroyed at worst. However, it cannot affect normal-based instance since they always follow the universal laws.
Anti-magic exists only as a force, but there are ways to utilize this force as a weapon, whether it be through hard science or even the magic it's supposed to counteract. The fact instances of different attributes can be combined together - though anti-magic/magic and AM/M/N combinations are far rarer - make it easier to harness.
The Anti-Magic Faction exploited anti-magic through hard science, which resulted in a variety of practical and sometimes incredibly dangerous uses.
Anti-Magic Alloy- A metallic alloy that generates anti-magic around itself. The composition usually includes silver, palladium, or other transition metals that generate force around itself. While the metals have a field on their own, combining them can amplify the effect.
Each type of alloy has a Magic Resistance number, meaning the field nullifies magic’s effectiveness to a degree before contact (i.e., an AM Alloy with an MR rating of 30 reduces magic’s effectiveness by 30%). Furthermore, magic with absolute effects, such as metamorphosis, is negated and cannot affect the material at all. Some alloys are even attracted to magical energies like a magnet, which are the main components for sensors, compasses, and homing weapons.
Feedback Weapon- An explosive weapon that detonates sources of magical energy. When it’s still strong enough, the blast creates a chain reaction by exploding other engulfed sources of mana.
Anti-Magic Flame- When mixed with certain substances, flames can be used to ignite sources of magical energy. Like Feedback Weapons, it only works with concentrations dense enough for combustion. Unlike normal flame, the AM type works more like radiation, which can be fired through walls to ignite a target.
Magic EMP Shockwave- A weapon that fires electric shockwaves. Magic-based constructs are destroyed, magical effects are disabled, and magic wielders are sapped of their mana pool when caught in the shockwave.
Anti-Magic Wave- A type of energy wave that annihilates mana in the form of a dark silvery-blue, translucent beam. The waves are often fired from a cannon or projected as a bubble-like shield.
Anti-Magic as Offense
AM Alloys have a Magic Resistance number, which indicates what percentage of magical effects it nullifies before impact around its field. However, this only applies to the magic that physically enhances objects if not keep them together, even if it does not pertain to physical strength. The rest is then done using normal physics.
Magic EMP Shockwaves are made to eradicate buffs, and temporarily disable a wielder's ability to use magic. The shockwave saps the energy in the area rather than attacking the source directly, which is why magic wielders can still recover their power after some time. Constructs held together by magic are instantly vaporized, and animate objects given life through magical means return to an inanimate state. Entities affected by supernatural powers and energies are also temporarily free from such influences. Necromancy is a different story; the EMP can only immobilize the living dead since it is not powerful enough to dispel what's anchoring them to the world of the living. It also cannot sap machines driven by magical energy of their power if their systems are protected against such attacks.
Feedback Weapons detonate mana like a violently explosive chemical reaction. However, it only works by discharging a small amount of magic that's enough to consume a target. It only detonates when the blast is strong enough upon engulfing high concentrations or the central source of magical power. That explains why they can't use simple bullets on larger targets like dragons; the AMF needs ICBMs with a larger blast radius to hit the source of their magical power. It also fits with the chain reaction effect after hitting other sources of power when the blast is still strong enough.
AM Flames like those used on the AMF's flamethrowers work differently from Feedback Weapons, functioning more like chemical combustion rather than an explosion. Although the density needed for combustion is far smaller, it still needs to react with high concentrations of energy. However, that also depends on the fuel used since theoretically, fuel potent enough can turn sphere of magical energy into that of engulfing flames, but it would also affect the entire area and risk hurting allies as well.
The Anti-Magic Wave Cannon is an energy wave with the specific purpose of zeroing out all magical activity in its path or at least break it down at an alarming rate. Not only does it sap all buffs and supernatural influences immediately, but it also annihilates magical Constructs. Entities under necromancy are also immediately destroyed since the AM Wave severs them from what's anchoring them to the world of the living. However, like EMPs, it's only sapping away the magical energy and supernatural influences; entities like magical girls can still recover their energy after being hit since it never destroys the source. Furthermore, the AM Wave can pass through physical objects but only works on magic; it cannot destroy machines powered by magic, but it can disable them by draining their power source.
Anti-Magic as Defense
AM Alloys also acts as a means of protection against magic-enhanced weapons. Like for attacking, all magical or enhanced attacks are reduced by a percentage based on its MR number and letting standard physics do the rest. Spells that are purely magical or supernatural and affect a target (i.e., slowing, blinding, and levitating like a tractor beam) are also mitigated this way. More absolute spells like metamorphosis, turning things into other objects, are completely negated. However, defense against magic through these alloys cannot be done by simply picking up a weapon with made of such alloys. Objects have to be decently enveloped around much material like today's modern soldier uniforms.
EMP Shockwaves could also be used as a perpetual field that saps energy in the area. Similar to its weaponized counterpart, it saps away magical energy in an area, as well as suppressing generation of such energy, supernatural influences, and immobilizing being under necromancy. However, it's a minor and impractical means of defense since it affects unprotected electrical systems besides itself. Thus, it's best used in low-level containment cells.
AM Waves can also be used to generate a spherical forcefield, which is a much better use for large-scale defense against magic. Like its weaponized counterpart, it saps away all magical energy and supernatural influence, destroys Constructs and necromancy that pass through, and disables magically-powered machines likewise in a near instant. Its superior effectiveness in suppressing sources of magical power makes it the main instrument for high-level containment cells.
AM Alloys and Magic Resistance
To clarify how this works, AM alloys only affect the magic that makes up or enhances an attack/barrier/armor. It does not affect physical objects or any of its properties under natural conditions.
Take an MR 30 Alloy for both examples below.
Case 1: Attacking
In the case of attacking, we'll take a purely magical construct that can resist up to 300 N of penetrating power. The AM Alloy would reduce its effectiveness by 30%, thus it can only block 210 Newtons of penetrating power before impact.
Formula: 300 N * (100 - 30) / 100 = 210 N
Now we will take a magically powered machine that's physically capable of withstanding 150 N but enhanced to withstand an additional 150 (300 N in total). The AM alloy will only affect the magical enhancement of the armor rather than the armor itself, thus losing 45 N for defense instead of 90 N.
Formula: 150 N (physcial) + 150 N * (100 - 30) / 100 (magical) = 255 N
Case 2: Protection
In the case of protecting against magical attacks, we'll first take a pure magical energy attack with 100 N of force. The MR 30 AM alloy will naturally reduce its total effectiveness by 30 N, thus the attack will hit the alloy armor with only 70 N.
Formula: 100 N * (100 - 30) / 100 = 70 N
Now we will take a bullet that would normally 50 N of force, but magically enhanced to have 50 more, totaling 100 N. The AM alloy will only affect the magic enhancement rather than the bullet itself, losing 15 N of force instead of 30.
Formula: 50 N (physical) + 50 N * (100 - 30) / 100 (magical) = 85 N.
AM Alloys have a Magic Resistance number, which indicates what percentage of magical effects it nullifies before impact around its field. However, this only applies to the magic that physically enhances objects if not keep them together, even if it does not pertain to physical strength. The rest is then done using normal physics.
Magic EMP Shockwaves are made to eradicate buffs, and temporarily disable a wielder's ability to use magic. The shockwave saps the energy in the area rather than attacking the source directly, which is why magic wielders can still recover their power after some time. Constructs held together by magic are instantly vaporized, and animate objects given life through magical means return to an inanimate state. Entities affected by supernatural powers and energies are also temporarily free from such influences. Necromancy is a different story; the EMP can only immobilize the living dead since it is not powerful enough to dispel what's anchoring them to the world of the living. It also cannot sap machines driven by magical energy of their power if their systems are protected against such attacks.
Feedback Weapons detonate mana like a violently explosive chemical reaction. However, it only works by discharging a small amount of magic that's enough to consume a target. It only detonates when the blast is strong enough upon engulfing high concentrations or the central source of magical power. That explains why they can't use simple bullets on larger targets like dragons; the AMF needs ICBMs with a larger blast radius to hit the source of their magical power. It also fits with the chain reaction effect after hitting other sources of power when the blast is still strong enough.
AM Flames like those used on the AMF's flamethrowers work differently from Feedback Weapons, functioning more like chemical combustion rather than an explosion. Although the density needed for combustion is far smaller, it still needs to react with high concentrations of energy. However, that also depends on the fuel used since theoretically, fuel potent enough can turn sphere of magical energy into that of engulfing flames, but it would also affect the entire area and risk hurting allies as well.
The Anti-Magic Wave Cannon is an energy wave with the specific purpose of zeroing out all magical activity in its path or at least break it down at an alarming rate. Not only does it sap all buffs and supernatural influences immediately, but it also annihilates magical Constructs. Entities under necromancy are also immediately destroyed since the AM Wave severs them from what's anchoring them to the world of the living. However, like EMPs, it's only sapping away the magical energy and supernatural influences; entities like magical girls can still recover their energy after being hit since it never destroys the source. Furthermore, the AM Wave can pass through physical objects but only works on magic; it cannot destroy machines powered by magic, but it can disable them by draining their power source.
Anti-Magic as Defense
AM Alloys also acts as a means of protection against magic-enhanced weapons. Like for attacking, all magical or enhanced attacks are reduced by a percentage based on its MR number and letting standard physics do the rest. Spells that are purely magical or supernatural and affect a target (i.e., slowing, blinding, and levitating like a tractor beam) are also mitigated this way. More absolute spells like metamorphosis, turning things into other objects, are completely negated. However, defense against magic through these alloys cannot be done by simply picking up a weapon with made of such alloys. Objects have to be decently enveloped around much material like today's modern soldier uniforms.
EMP Shockwaves could also be used as a perpetual field that saps energy in the area. Similar to its weaponized counterpart, it saps away magical energy in an area, as well as suppressing generation of such energy, supernatural influences, and immobilizing being under necromancy. However, it's a minor and impractical means of defense since it affects unprotected electrical systems besides itself. Thus, it's best used in low-level containment cells.
AM Waves can also be used to generate a spherical forcefield, which is a much better use for large-scale defense against magic. Like its weaponized counterpart, it saps away all magical energy and supernatural influence, destroys Constructs and necromancy that pass through, and disables magically-powered machines likewise in a near instant. Its superior effectiveness in suppressing sources of magical power makes it the main instrument for high-level containment cells.
AM Alloys and Magic Resistance
To clarify how this works, AM alloys only affect the magic that makes up or enhances an attack/barrier/armor. It does not affect physical objects or any of its properties under natural conditions.
Take an MR 30 Alloy for both examples below.
Case 1: Attacking
In the case of attacking, we'll take a purely magical construct that can resist up to 300 N of penetrating power. The AM Alloy would reduce its effectiveness by 30%, thus it can only block 210 Newtons of penetrating power before impact.
Formula: 300 N * (100 - 30) / 100 = 210 N
Now we will take a magically powered machine that's physically capable of withstanding 150 N but enhanced to withstand an additional 150 (300 N in total). The AM alloy will only affect the magical enhancement of the armor rather than the armor itself, thus losing 45 N for defense instead of 90 N.
Formula: 150 N (physcial) + 150 N * (100 - 30) / 100 (magical) = 255 N
Case 2: Protection
In the case of protecting against magical attacks, we'll first take a pure magical energy attack with 100 N of force. The MR 30 AM alloy will naturally reduce its total effectiveness by 30 N, thus the attack will hit the alloy armor with only 70 N.
Formula: 100 N * (100 - 30) / 100 = 70 N
Now we will take a bullet that would normally 50 N of force, but magically enhanced to have 50 more, totaling 100 N. The AM alloy will only affect the magic enhancement rather than the bullet itself, losing 15 N of force instead of 30.
Formula: 50 N (physical) + 50 N * (100 - 30) / 100 (magical) = 85 N.
Elemental Cases
Cases regarding the elements (earth, air, wind, and fire) can be tricky since it blends magical and normal attributes together. Fire, and similarly electricity, are easier to determine since the AM alloys reduce the energy/voltage/temperature. Air and water are harder, with earth being the worst offender. It all depends on how much influence magic has on the utilized elements.
Cases regarding the elements (earth, air, wind, and fire) can be tricky since it blends magical and normal attributes together. Fire, and similarly electricity, are easier to determine since the AM alloys reduce the energy/voltage/temperature. Air and water are harder, with earth being the worst offender. It all depends on how much influence magic has on the utilized elements.
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Quiz Your OC! [Tagged]
7 min read
Hexidextrous tagged me into doing this, so I figured why not?
Rules:
1. Pick one of your OCs
2. Fill in the question/statements as if you were that OC
3. Tag four people to do this meme
1. What is your name?
"Kaikei Hakusho, but please, call me Haku. That name is a mouthful...and embarrassing."
2. Do you know why are you named that?
"Who knows what my parents tended to call me? The ladies at the orphanage told me that's what my nametag said when they found me."
3. Are you single or taken?
(shivers and blushes) "Honestly, I never had interest in any relationships. Miss Stapleton, maybe?"
4. Have any abilities or powers?
"Are you kidding me!? Does 'magical girl' mean anything to you? If you want my powers, then I'm the superstrong muscle of Arahi's senior girls, combined with fire powers and flying drones that shoot out flames. And don't get me started on metals and motor vehicles either. You can thank Miss Stapleton for teaching me all about metal alloys and such crap. Now, my weapons and motorcycle ride are far stronger than anything you can think of! Hell, you should check out my new Lady Justice form, too! More armor, more flames, more flying drones for quick repairs. I even got a huge mace, and pair of scissor blades, and flaming wings to boot! And if I can't fly like a rocket, then watch me skate on rails or bring out my Familiar, this sentient motorcycle-like thingy I like to call Bosuzuki."
5. Stop being Mary Sue.
"Hey, who do you think you are!? I rely on people all the time, you know!"
6. What's your eye color?
"Red."
7. What's your hair color?
"Red...again..."
8. Have any family members?
"I would say yes if I did. My parents are long gone...probably at the bottom of the ocean ever since the big waves washed whatever I home was born into. Even the Solohearts didn't appreciate me until now. Aside from them, I'd stay Miss Aya, and her team is the closest I have to real family. A team including an idol singer, two bizarrely opposite twins, my teacher who now works for the military, a rough military woman, and the leader's best friend. Crazy world, eh?"
9. How about pets?
"If Familiars count as pets, that would be it."
10. That's cool, I guess. Now tell me something you don't like.
"If you're serious, it's people who ignore me. I do all my best to show my strength to everyone, and people just push me around? Not gonna happen!"
11. Do you have any activities/hobbies that you like to do?
"Thanks to Miss Stapleton and the others, I finally picked up the interest in customizing rides. That's what I do for a living now."
12. Have you ever hurt anyone in anyway?
"Only the bad guys, really. First, it was bike gangs or the sake of it, then it was fighting to protect my gang. Then after that, it's the AMF scum who targeted everybody. And now...can't really say. And it's not like I didn't hurt anyone on my side either. Whether it's my fault or the enemy's, it varies."
13. Ever... killed anyone?
"Compared to the everyone else, I'm second only to Sergeant Mio with the highest human kill count. Automated drones and monsters don't really count since they're not human."
14. What kind of animal are you?
"A four-legged beast. A panther, lion, whatever you call it. Nowadays, in my new LJ form, I'm like that literally."
15. Name your worst habits.
"If anything, it's when I used to get into fights with other gangs, let alone the police."
16. Do you look up to anyone at all?
"I...I want to say Aya...or Miss Stapleton..."
17. Are you gay, straight or bisexual?
"It's not that I don't like guys...it's just..."
18. Do you go to school?
"I wish. Aside from what the orphanage taught me, the only other teachers I had were Miss Stapleton and Sergeant Mio. If anything, I'd prefer if Maxine was able to teach me more."
19. Ever want to get married and have kids one day?
"I...never thought about that...Not like I don't want to..."
20. Do you have any fangirls/fanboys?
"Miss Lia of the twins always likes fighting beside me. Maybe it's because of strength and we're front line combatants? Then again, she also likes fighting alongside everyone esle, especially those with big...chests."
21. What are you most afraid of?
"If I want to say anything...it's being alone."
22. What clothes do you usually wear?
"Before, I used to ride in either my bomber jacket or magical girl uniform. Now, you'll see me in either dirty rags, or either of my two new magical girl forms. Pertty stylish, huh?"
23. What's one food that tempts you?
"I always wanted to try sushi...If only it wasn't so damn expensive!"
24. What class are you (low/middle/high)?
"Always was one of the pieces of street trash. But with everyone's help, I'd say my life started to improve, and I feel much better about myself."
25. What are your thoughts on pie?
"Pie? I don't know. Of all pies, pumpkin seems the least disgusting."
26. Favorite drink?
"Can't tell. I've always been stuck with either soft drinks or water."
27. What's your favorite place?
"Arahi...or any other place that allows me to ride my bike and check somebody else's."
28. Are you interested in anyone?
"Wasn't this question already asked?"
29. That was a stupid question.
"Then why bother asking?"
30. Would you rather swim in a lake or the ocean?
"I'm not the type for swimming. If it means anything, I'd rather be in a lake."
31. What's your type?
"Someone who treats me like a family. I hate being alone and know there's no one coming to save when I'm in toruble...or get myself in trouble nonetheless. And she's got to be as...mobile as me. I can't deal with those who can't keep up."
32. Camping or outdoors?
"Can't tell the difference between the two. Living outdoors had always been a part of my life."
33. Any fetishes?
For tags:
Rules:
1. Pick one of your OCs
2. Fill in the question/statements as if you were that OC
3. Tag four people to do this meme
1. What is your name?
"Kaikei Hakusho, but please, call me Haku. That name is a mouthful...and embarrassing."
2. Do you know why are you named that?
"Who knows what my parents tended to call me? The ladies at the orphanage told me that's what my nametag said when they found me."
3. Are you single or taken?
(shivers and blushes) "Honestly, I never had interest in any relationships. Miss Stapleton, maybe?"
4. Have any abilities or powers?
"Are you kidding me!? Does 'magical girl' mean anything to you? If you want my powers, then I'm the superstrong muscle of Arahi's senior girls, combined with fire powers and flying drones that shoot out flames. And don't get me started on metals and motor vehicles either. You can thank Miss Stapleton for teaching me all about metal alloys and such crap. Now, my weapons and motorcycle ride are far stronger than anything you can think of! Hell, you should check out my new Lady Justice form, too! More armor, more flames, more flying drones for quick repairs. I even got a huge mace, and pair of scissor blades, and flaming wings to boot! And if I can't fly like a rocket, then watch me skate on rails or bring out my Familiar, this sentient motorcycle-like thingy I like to call Bosuzuki."
5. Stop being Mary Sue.
"Hey, who do you think you are!? I rely on people all the time, you know!"
6. What's your eye color?
"Red."
7. What's your hair color?
"Red...again..."
8. Have any family members?
"I would say yes if I did. My parents are long gone...probably at the bottom of the ocean ever since the big waves washed whatever I home was born into. Even the Solohearts didn't appreciate me until now. Aside from them, I'd stay Miss Aya, and her team is the closest I have to real family. A team including an idol singer, two bizarrely opposite twins, my teacher who now works for the military, a rough military woman, and the leader's best friend. Crazy world, eh?"
9. How about pets?
"If Familiars count as pets, that would be it."
10. That's cool, I guess. Now tell me something you don't like.
"If you're serious, it's people who ignore me. I do all my best to show my strength to everyone, and people just push me around? Not gonna happen!"
11. Do you have any activities/hobbies that you like to do?
"Thanks to Miss Stapleton and the others, I finally picked up the interest in customizing rides. That's what I do for a living now."
12. Have you ever hurt anyone in anyway?
"Only the bad guys, really. First, it was bike gangs or the sake of it, then it was fighting to protect my gang. Then after that, it's the AMF scum who targeted everybody. And now...can't really say. And it's not like I didn't hurt anyone on my side either. Whether it's my fault or the enemy's, it varies."
13. Ever... killed anyone?
"Compared to the everyone else, I'm second only to Sergeant Mio with the highest human kill count. Automated drones and monsters don't really count since they're not human."
14. What kind of animal are you?
"A four-legged beast. A panther, lion, whatever you call it. Nowadays, in my new LJ form, I'm like that literally."
15. Name your worst habits.
"If anything, it's when I used to get into fights with other gangs, let alone the police."
16. Do you look up to anyone at all?
"I...I want to say Aya...or Miss Stapleton..."
17. Are you gay, straight or bisexual?
"It's not that I don't like guys...it's just..."
18. Do you go to school?
"I wish. Aside from what the orphanage taught me, the only other teachers I had were Miss Stapleton and Sergeant Mio. If anything, I'd prefer if Maxine was able to teach me more."
19. Ever want to get married and have kids one day?
"I...never thought about that...Not like I don't want to..."
20. Do you have any fangirls/fanboys?
"Miss Lia of the twins always likes fighting beside me. Maybe it's because of strength and we're front line combatants? Then again, she also likes fighting alongside everyone esle, especially those with big...chests."
21. What are you most afraid of?
"If I want to say anything...it's being alone."
22. What clothes do you usually wear?
"Before, I used to ride in either my bomber jacket or magical girl uniform. Now, you'll see me in either dirty rags, or either of my two new magical girl forms. Pertty stylish, huh?"
23. What's one food that tempts you?
"I always wanted to try sushi...If only it wasn't so damn expensive!"
24. What class are you (low/middle/high)?
"Always was one of the pieces of street trash. But with everyone's help, I'd say my life started to improve, and I feel much better about myself."
25. What are your thoughts on pie?
"Pie? I don't know. Of all pies, pumpkin seems the least disgusting."
26. Favorite drink?
"Can't tell. I've always been stuck with either soft drinks or water."
27. What's your favorite place?
"Arahi...or any other place that allows me to ride my bike and check somebody else's."
28. Are you interested in anyone?
"Wasn't this question already asked?"
29. That was a stupid question.
"Then why bother asking?"
30. Would you rather swim in a lake or the ocean?
"I'm not the type for swimming. If it means anything, I'd rather be in a lake."
31. What's your type?
"Someone who treats me like a family. I hate being alone and know there's no one coming to save when I'm in toruble...or get myself in trouble nonetheless. And she's got to be as...mobile as me. I can't deal with those who can't keep up."
32. Camping or outdoors?
"Can't tell the difference between the two. Living outdoors had always been a part of my life."
33. Any fetishes?
"My body still itches for another fight. Can't tell if that's a good thing or not."
For tags:
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Job Graduation
1 min read
So today, I got some really big news.
Today, I just left my old job as a fast food worker. In a few days, I’ll be starting my new job as a summer engineering intern! I’ll be assisting my boss in making simple CAD drawings, which are supposed to be around 20 at most for the whole month.
I’m also working on patenting two devices I made this month. I already registered myself as an inventor and a family friend at my new job said he’ll help me complete the final steps.
Although it means I’m not gonna be around too much this month, the extra money (at least three times as much from before) will mean more commissions, thus more resources for my own works. I don’t know what people think, but stay tuned for more or less from me in the future!
Today, I just left my old job as a fast food worker. In a few days, I’ll be starting my new job as a summer engineering intern! I’ll be assisting my boss in making simple CAD drawings, which are supposed to be around 20 at most for the whole month.
I’m also working on patenting two devices I made this month. I already registered myself as an inventor and a family friend at my new job said he’ll help me complete the final steps.
Although it means I’m not gonna be around too much this month, the extra money (at least three times as much from before) will mean more commissions, thus more resources for my own works. I don’t know what people think, but stay tuned for more or less from me in the future!
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