"Where is... this?"
Nanoha looked around in confusion; the crowds of people passing by left her feeling a bit overwhelmed.
It wasn't just humans; there were people with horns on their heads, and even people flying back and forth in the sky.
She even spotted a dragon in the distance.
"My Master, according to the surrounding mana concentration levels, this is no longer your original world."
At that moment, the cherry-blossom-colored magical device at Nanoha's neck emitted a mechanical female voice.
This was Nanoha's magical device, Raising Heart.
"Not my original world... Could it be Midchilda?"
Nanoha guessed.
"No. The surrounding life forms are not only human but also unknown high-level lifeforms. The energy of powerful existences is even undetectable. According to data comparison, there are at least several thousand existences nearby whose mana content exceeds yours."
Raising Heart's mechanical voice rang out.
"More than several thousand?!"
Nanoha cried out in surprise.
Through Lindy's explanations, she already knew that as a mage, her talent was definitely among the top tier.
Yet here, there were at least several thousand people who were even above her... This couldn't help but make her feel a little afraid.
With so many powerful existences, how on earth did they live peacefully in this city?
Takamachi Nanoha was puzzled, looking around with a sense of trepidation.
It was like walking alone through a herd of dinosaurs; even if you knew they wouldn't hurt you randomly, you would still feel afraid.
Furthermore, it was a case of these 'dinosaurs' not wanting to hurt you, rather than being unable to, which was even more terrifying.
Just like the Three Aces living in Midchilda in the original story; not only was their mana suppressed within their bodies, but even the output of their magical devices was limited.
For a civilization, the Three Aces were equivalent to humanoid nuclear weapons. If they were placed directly in a city and happened to go berserk, the resulting damage would be incalculable.
Even if you knew this nuclear weapon wouldn't hurt anyone, others would still be afraid!
"Yes, Master. Although I do not know how we appeared here, please be careful moving forward."
Raising Heart's reminder made Nanoha even more cautious.
After wandering the streets for half a day, Nanoha finally managed to gather some information.
For example, among those non-human creatures, there were devils, gods, angels, dragons, and yokai.
And these creatures had only officially stepped onto the world stage a short while ago.
Another example was the establishment of the Global Pantheons Alliance; humanity had entered an era where technology and cultivation coexisted.
By now, the various Pantheons that had been struggling to sustain themselves had gradually recovered by relying on humanity.
At the same time, humans themselves were gradually becoming stronger.
Comprehensive strength, cohesion, and informatization were all progressing steadily.
Because there were common and strict laws, and a mysterious force served as the Alliance's guard army, the dark incidents of the past rarely occurred anymore.
Take Sacred Gear Wielders, for instance. In the past, when the various Pantheons discovered a Sacred Gear Wielder, they would likely meet with malice, regardless of whether they were on the same side.
But after the Alliance was established, Sacred Gear Wielders also received protection.
It could be said that this world was in a period of rapid development.
Furthermore, this world was also Earth.
Sitting on a public bench, Nanoha murmured blankly, "To think that mythological creatures actually exist... Is this really Earth?"
"No, no, that's not the problem. The main thing is... whether I can still go back."
Nanoha muttered, "If it takes too long, Mom will worry."
"Hello, Takamachi Nanoha."
While Nanoha was feeling anxious, a crisp yet soft voice appeared by her ear, giving her a start.
"You... You are?"
Takamachi Nanoha looked at Rias and asked cautiously.
"I am Rias Gremory, the Vice-Leader of the Alliance."
Rias introduced herself.
"Ah, Vice-Leader?!" Takamachi Nanoha said in surprise.
Although she wasn't quite sure of the details, it was clear that this girl of her own age was an unimaginably important figure.
"Hello, I am Takamachi Nanoha... Wait, how do you know my name?"
Takamachi Nanoha introduced herself, then suddenly reacted and looked at Rias in surprise.
"I know about you through Fate~"
Rias improvised a lie.
"Fate-chan?!"
Takamachi Nanoha said excitedly, "Do you know where Fate-chan is?"
"Yes, I went to the Time-Space Administration Bureau and brought Fate back. Including her mother; I also saved Presea and Alicia. Now they can be considered a family reunited."
"The atmosphere between Presea and Fate is a bit awkward, but Alicia and Fate are very close."
"As for abusing Fate like in the past, that's impossible now."
That's how things were for now; given enough time, the two should be able to restore the relationship a mother and daughter ought to have.
Even though Presea was quite detestable, it was clear that helping her was helping Fate.
In any case, Rias would be marrying Fate in the future, not her mother-in-law. If she didn't like her, she could just endure it; after all, she was the one in the dominant position.
"I see. Fate-chan... That's really wonderful."
Hearing this, Takamachi Nanoha couldn't help but show a heartfelt smile.
She seemed truly happy for Fate's happiness.
To Takamachi Nanoha, Fate was an extremely special person, second only to her future adopted daughter, Takamachi Vivio.
Looking at Fate, Takamachi Nanoha seemed to see the past, the feelings she had when her father was injured and she was all alone.
That was why Takamachi Nanoha had fought so hard during the jewel seeds incident, even without knowing the reason for the battle.
Another point was her kindness and sense of responsibility.
"A while ago, I discovered the coordinates of your world and established a space station connection. It's possible that at that time, lifeforms with high mana concentrations, like you, were caught in the spatial transport."
Rias said, "Since the space station hasn't officially started up yet, I can't send you back. I'm afraid you'll have to stay here for a while."
"Ah... but if that's the case, Mom and Dad, and Alisa and the others will worry too."
Takamachi Nanoha said worriedly.
"About that... I can use the space station to create a phantom of you, creating the illusion that you are actually still there."
Rias suggested.
She called it a phantom, but its primary function was actually to blur their perception and memory of Takamachi Nanoha.
For a short period, it wouldn't be seen through.
"I see, that's good then."
Takamachi Nanoha breathed a sigh of relief.
But another question arose: where should she stay now?
As Nanoha thought about this, the sky gradually darkened, leaving her feeling a bit lost.
Should she look for Fate?
No, they had just reconciled as mother and daughter; she couldn't disturb Fate at a time like this.
Then what should she do?
As Nanoha was thinking, she heard Rias speak: "You don't have a place to stay yet, do you? Why don't you come to my house? My house is quite big."
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