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Cagalli listened and watched intently, taking in the information. Something used by mages for fighting other mages, but obviously not everything they had to deal with would use magic. She blinked in surprise at the transformation; convenient!

"Right... so I imagine you either avoid attacks or have other means of defense." Even mobile suits with special armor carried shields. "What do you mean by device?"

"Yes, dodging is a main thing since a lot of mages are Aerial attackers. And there are defensive magics such as Round Shield, Wide Area Protection and such." said Rein with a nod.

"A device is a organizational partner, designed to assist in calculations of higher energy output and magical focuses. They usually set up the jacket to the users whim and design, while providing support. I provide support to Hayate during combat." Rein rubbed her head. "She's... kind of a bad shot."

Bad shot as in Hayate could completely miss her target and vaporize a mountain. Three kilometers away.

"So far, I've made two, the latest one for a young girl who is beginning to learn magic on the bus. So I crafted a jacket for her and a device to assist in combat. She asked for the name Big Daddy so I put that in too. They talk, much like you and I." added Rein.

So this girl was... created? And not in the same way that Kira was 'created'; she was purpose-made for being a partner to one of these mages. The thought of creating a sapient life form for such a specific, limited purpose ruffled her feathers a little, but it's not like she could do anything about it, and Rein seemed plenty happy.

"They do sound pretty useful, if they're that convenient. Can anyone learn to use magic, then, and use a device? Or was this girl from a world where that sort of thing exists?" Visions of learning all sorts of otherworldly skills danced through her head.

"Devices are a great aid and teachers too and Hayate and I are from a Earth where it is possible to cast magic, although let's see..."

Bringing up a screen and toggling in the sensor she had installed, Rein began a slow scan of Cagalli's upper body. She checked at her navel first, no, no core there, and then adjusted it upwards aha!

"There it is," said Rein, pointing at the glowing marble-like gem on the screen. "That is a Linker Core which is your inner magical strength. You are aaaaat..." a blip. "C-Class. Which is strong enough to support a device without having to use the ambient magical energy generator I developed but it might be a good idea."

"Thus far I know of two magic teachers on the bus: Negi Springfield and Matt Olsen, both living at the very pink bus at the front of the Jedi Temple. They both have unique systems of spellcasting, one incantation based, the other intent based. But Matt is the key. He can give you a magic boost, to help you cast spells and learn quicker."

The seeming fusion of magic and technology was a bit boggling, given what she'd heard from Lupin, but then... different worlds, entirely different rules seemed to be the only rule, as problematic as it could be. It made some kind of sense that there could be a magical scanner.

She was a bit surprised, though, to hear that she not only had one of these Linker Core things, but it was strong enough to actually use one of these 'devices' without any sort of assistance. "Wait... seriously? I could just have one of these made for me and be able to use it? I mean... I'm nothing special really, and as far as I know there's no such thing as any kind of magic where I'm from," she protested.

"Everyone's got a Linker Core, under-used or just not at times," said Rein. "I think it's just a standard thing now that we're here. I have yet to see someone with an underdeveloped source of power. If it is there, then it could be very faint."

"Magic, or mana is in everything from what I've been told," said Rein, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "If you're just starting out, I'd say visit Matt. He has this engine down in the bus that will awaken your elemental alignment. From there, you can study any kind of magic; Earth, Midchildan, Belkan or Matt's Intent-type of magic. To be honest, Intent is really silly since you just need willpower and belief that it'll happen. I've seen him use a spell called Super Duper Purple Wall of Magic before. And it stopped a Divine Buster."

"So everyone has this power to some degree, no matter where they're from." Was there a reason everyone didn't at least get use some small amount of these powers? Either way she had to use every advantage she could get.

"So, why exactly does he have some kind of... crazy magic machine in a bus of all things? And what are the differences between the magic styles?" Cagalli had to ask questions, now that she'd heard about all of this.

"Pretty much. Human beings are by their very nature, resistant to magic, but versatile and open enough to wield it." said Rein as she bring up a screen for Cagalli to watch; mostly of the four elements from video capture in action down on Zokez.

"The first type is Midchildan Modern," said Rein as she indicated Nanoha who was on screen and unleashing a torrent of pink magic which resulted in an incredible explosion. Halfway through the explanation she swapped to a image of Fate in action, mixing it up in Sonic Form. "Primarily focused on aerial combat, it is a mix of front-back line spell casting. The user typically requires shields of sorts to withstand attacks or conversely dodging. A typical mage of that sort likes to keep people at range which is known as Traditional Stance. Magic Swordsman as we like to call it deals with closer in attacks which can put a Traditional Mage at a disadvantage if they haven't trained their bodies as well as their magic."

"Neo-Belkan, the new style of spellcasting consists primarily of close-in attacks, and barrier piercing," said Rein as the image swapped to Subaru in action. "It is just as versatile as Mid modern, but uses the use of Cartridges, which are shells filled with pressurized magic to increase damage output to a rather dangerous level. A lot of hybrid Devices are built around Neo-Velkan, such as fists, guns, spears and other items."

"Belkan, is what I use," said Rein, showing a image of... wait was that Signum in the battle against the Devourer Worm? I thought... Rein shrugged it off. "Belkan is a purely offensive style or a defensive style. Offensive is all barrier piercing, as well as using cartridges. Overwhelming force combined by powerful melee attacks consists of a Belkan mage. So far, there are four who use it on the ship: myself, Vita, Signum and Hayate. Although Hayate and I are of the traditional caster type which hang back and blow stuff up from range."

A screen changed to Negi who was in the middle of casting a powerful looking lightning spell. "Western Earth Magic. Powerful when it hits, and incredibly versatile as well. It ranges between two stances, Traditional and Magic Swordsman, and when it gets to a point, the differences blur so much that you can't tell. There is a lot of different elemental force between each one, and Negi himself has a special ability that I highly doubt he'd teach to anyone else." The screen changed to him clenching a spell in his hand and turning into a living lightning form, tearing up opponents.

"Finally there is the Intent base Matt uses," finished Rein as she swapped images to Matt who snapped his fingers and a whole swathe of foes exploded. "Powerful, deadly, controllable by an iron will. Comes in four different states of Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Energy. Each one of these powers manifests extra powers as well, but the overall desired result can be affected by how things go in battle."

At this point, it was almost like being taught by a private tutor again, something she hadn't had to deal with in years. In Rein's case, though, it was less dealing with and more paying rapt attention to videos of things that would have seemed impossible not all that long ago. Everything was still so surreal, how adapted everyone here was to what had happened, even with all the differences softened by the smallest familiarities.

Each and every style was interesting in its own way. With or without devices, elements, weapons, close and long range combat. Magic ran a gamut of functions, and then there was whatever Lupin was familiar with as well.

"Midchildan, spellcasting, ranged combat. Neo-Belkan, close-in, cartridges, weapons. Belkan, shifts between pure offense and defense." She went over the device-based forms in her head. "I've got plenty of willpower but I'm also used to working with tools and technology, so a device would probably work out better," she thought out loud, unable to keep and edge of excitement out of her voice.

"True, and you can decide on either Mid, Neo or pure Belkan. Belkan is a little harder to learn but fully worth it," said Rein with a nod. "And while Neo-Belkan isn't so bad, pure Belkan offers a lot of punch to it." Rein grinned as well. "Luckily you're speaking to the one girl on the ship who can make an authentic Belkan interface device!"

"Mid is good too, but that's also in due for the bombardment spells they're so famous for. And barriers. Yuuno is the expert we've got on that on the ship right now. And Nanoha is a Combat Instructor so if she isn't busy, which she MIGHT be considering who just arrived, well, we can see about getting a tutor for that if you choose the device for that."

Cagalli nodded; of course, if Rein used Belkan she'd probably be a little biased, so talking to others around the ship would be a wise idea. Either way though this magic seemed like something to look into, even if it was only enough to be a little better at taking care of herself if she ran into a fight out of her mobile suit.

"Belkan and Neo-Belkan sound a bit more my speed, though I can't rule out the Mid for sure." She wondered if she was getting ahead of herself; after all, she only had so much time, and who knows what pilots had to deal with? Still, it was at least worth looking into.

Rein nodded in agreement. "I would suggest speaking to a few people on the pros and cons. You can find Negi usually around here somewhere and Matt's typically in his office on the bus. Can't miss it. Nanoha is over in the Jedi Temple for the most part, but I can also give you an idea of how that stuff goes as well. Those three are the best I can think of for each one, and I know they already hold lessons."

"There's also other casters on the ship that are more than willing to lend aid, most of them working out of the temple." added Rein. "The Jedi Temple is where the Magical Department is held, and you could probably learn a few things there as well. In the end though, it's best to focus on one type of major magical output before doing anything else."

"Oh and if you really are interested in putting the time in it, I would suggest visiting Matt. That energy generator of his will give you an incredible boost in magical output, and it will allow you to get used to the feel of power surging through your body when you cast spells, strengthening your core and giving you more room to grow as a mage."

Jedi Temple, Nanoha. Matt, in some kind of bus. Negi... somewhere. Information that's better than nothing, anyways, if she wants to figure out what to look into further. "I'll talk to them at some point."

"So, what about this generator? Is it just... walk in, and bam, you're better at magic or what?" It sounded too good be true. Way too good. "There isn't any catch is there? Some kind of risk, like... my Linker Core blowing up or something?"

"Well, I've seen it in action," said Rein as she tapped a few keys. "Here is the Lumia (http://s605.photobucket.com/albums/tt138/witchoholic217/W90/w90-42.jpg)."

The Lumia was a brilliant sphere in a room that seemed to be made of twilight as Matt was performing a ritual with a friend, streamers of colored light spinning around before one of them found its mark, sinking harmlessly into the person's chest. The seemed to glow with energy. "I took readings of it myself, and checked and double checked. The Lumia is a fount of elemental energy, and will help charge your Linker Core to be able to cast bigger spells without tiring."

Well it was... very pretty, anyways. Looked a little uncomfortable to have magic ribbon things plunging into your chest, but Rein seemed about as trustworthy as anyone here who she didn't really know. "So I really do just walk on in and make myself... more capable? I guess I'd still have to practice, but there's such a thing as too many shortcuts too."

Rein giggled. "It's a little more complex than that. You see, the infusion of elemental magic is less of a shortcut than it is an awakening. Most people have the potential, but not the training to use magic. What the magic from the Lumia does, is open up that potential. If you were to cast a spell now, you'd probably get barely a flicker, or bar that, a big poof of a mini explosion as you let all of your magic out at once."

Rein held up a hand and intoned, "Practi bignaru, Ardescat!" At the tip of her finger, a flame poofed into life. "This is the first step to spellcasting from Negi's school of magic. Practice Magic: Create Flame. Likewise we have a similar method in our three schools of Mid, Neo and Belk."

Extinguishing the flame, she intoned, "Sacred Light, Open Thy Heart..." And a small globe of light appeared. "Like the create flame spell, creating light is a first step."

She grinned as she extinguished the light as well. "You see, it's not a shortcut, but a way to open up your heart to listen to your magic. Even with the infusion of magic, you will find yourself getting nothing at the beginning. And then you create flame, light, move water or push air, or even make a plant grow. And then you know you found your niche as you train, and make it grow."

She found herself nodding at the explanation. It was... ever so slightly reminiscent of what a Coordinator was - an advantage, a kick start, but it didn't do anything but make it easier to discover your talents. Coordinators also had that higher ceiling for potential, though...

"So it's... pretty much perfect for someone who never had any idea that magic even existed then, huh? Then from there I train like anyone else with the potential for it." It was an exciting prospect, being able to not only perform magic but use it for something legitimately good. At the very least she had to go see Matt about this.

"Exactly," said Rein as she ticked off a few things on her fingers. "Tapping your inner source of magic, learning how to use it, using it to heal or conversely blow someone up cause your feelings will get through them in a big riotous explosion, well, that's all in different orders but y'know."

"That's why I suggest going to Matt first, then Negi, and then Nanoha before making the circuit back to me if you want to learn from any of us," added Rein with a big grin. "Each has their talents and skills, and you can easily mix and match. Magic is flexible like that. You might really like an ability from Matt, or a healing spell from Negi, a barrier from Mid or Neo and offensive stuff from Belkan."

"But it never hurts to settle on one specialty," added Rein. "Jacks of all trades are only possible with people like myself, Unison Devices who are specifically meant to help multitask enormous amounts of spells and magic at once."

Cagalli took the advice to heart, what with not knowing a thing about magic herself. That sounded like a reasonable order anyways. "It's likely that I won't make magic my focal point if I start learning," she said. "I've got actual experience with piloting mobile suits, military command, and politics. I'll definitely be giving it a try though, no matter how little time I end up having for it, and I imagine I'll end up wanting to stick with one specialty."

Rein nodded. "When you do decide on what kind of magic you'll learn, I'll teach you the most basic ability we mages have: telepathy. We can communicate over long distances with it. It'll let you contact me or whoever you choose as your mentor. And soon you can broadcast over different people to contact many directly."

"Don't worry, it's not a mind-reading ability," she added quickly. "We can't do that. And it's actually kinda illegal too."

Telepathy? With the rings it doesn't sound all that useful, but redundancy never hurts when it comes to technology. And it doesn't allow mind-reading, which is good, at least for her. "How long does it take to learn that much anyways?"

"A week, tops," said Rein. "Even the most beginner mages learn it within a day, and are chatting for hours. You don't have to focus on anything, just direct your thoughts to someone. I can help you with it, and when you get good at it, you can direct the broadcast to more people."

Telepathy within a day? The basics of this magic thing really was simple. "This is really pretty amazing... I mean, magic wasn't even a real thing to me, and now I'm finding out that I can use one of these devices and talk to people telepathically before the week's out," Cagalli said, impressed. "It's kind of crazy."

"Life's funny that way," admitted Rein. "To be honest, a lot of off-world mages back home discover their powers in a similar way. They're living normal lives when someone with established magic just falls into their laps."

Like Yuuno with Nanoha, or Admiral Graham with his mage, or Hayate with the book or...

"... come to think about it I've rarely seen a mage who hasn't been discovered by pure accident... unless they lived on an Administrated World already."

That sounded like kind of a shoddy way of building a military force, even if it did work. Sure, Kira sort of just fell into piloting the Strike by bizarre coincidence... and meeting him in the desert was similar...

...how many worlds run on absurd luck?

"If it's not a world where anyone's looking, it would make sense if they missed a lot of potential mages," she observed.

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