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356968-first is

First Infinite Stratos Prototype

Infinite Stratos (インフィニット・ストラトス, Infinitto Sutoratosu?), abbreviated as IS, are powered exoskeletons, which were originally meant for outer space exploration. Designed by Tabane Shinonono, they, possess technology and combat capabilities far more advanced than any other weapon system, thus threatening to destabilize the world.

Introduction[]

Tabane announces the creation of IS

Tabane announces the creation of IS

When the IS was first proposed it was scoffed at and few people paid it any attention. A month later, a "mysterious" hacker hacked the military missile bases and ships all over the world launching 2341 ballistic and cruise missiles towards all major cities in Japan. The world‘s first and only IS sortied and neutralized 1221 of the missiles with a sword and shot down the rest with energy weapons -something no country in the world had the technology of producing.

This IS was later codenamed "Shirokishi". Its faceless pilot claimed no allegiance to any worldly nations and was attacked by several major world powers seeking to capture or destroy it. The White Knight fended off its attackers, destroying 207 next-gen fighter aircraft in the process, as well as disabling 7 aircraft carriers and their naval escorts. It also destroyed 8 weaponized military spy satellites.

The IS showed that it was capable of generating a nigh-invulnerable shield barrier, 100% optical camouflage, hypersonic speeds, and capable of pulling off insane high G maneuvers while seemingly unaffected by gravity-induced blackout/red-outs and also space flight. The "Shirokishi" IS was never seen again after the incident and its pilot's identity remained a secret to the general public.

Impact[]

Faced with such an overpowering weapon, the nations of the world enacted the "Alaska Treaty", which stated that the IS would never be used for military combat and that existing IS technology must be equally distributed to all nations, to prevent any nation from dominating the others. And they also give the IS to other countries, but the US is the only country that didn't accept the IS, which is suspicious for most people. And this rumor was never confirmed.

The introduction of the IS does, however, have a major effect on society. As it can only be operated by women, the power balance between men and women is broken, with women coming to dominate society over men.

The reason why only females can activate the IS is because Tabane Shinonono built them that way, saying she created the IS "to give girls wings."[1] The reason why Ichika Orimura can do it is unknown, but it might be because of his unique origins. It also had the side effect of setting the social standings of women above men by default, causing some women to take advantage of men in public situations.

According to Akatsuki, IS are machines built to fulfill their pilots' dreams.[2] When an IS pilot strongly wishes to do something, their IS will often grant them more strength to do so. In some cases, they might evolve for the sake of their pilots, as seen in Ichikas' case. In more extreme cases, they might even take over their pilot in order to protect them or in order to make what they want theirs.[3][4]

Features[]

Shielding[]

Primary protection for IS and its pilot is provided through the use of an energy shield (invisible to the naked eye) that could block both physical and optical weapons. The protection level of IS shield is sufficient to be impenetrable to most conventional weaponry, but it could be penetrated by high-powered IS weaponry.

The basic armor plates of IS offer minimal protection against incoming attacks since any weapon powerful enough to pierce the shield would be also powerful enough to penetrate the armor plate. (That should explain why the pilots are so scantly covered by armor plates)

However, special equipment such as an additional physical/energy shield or augmented heavy armor plate (specially designed to withstand damage) could provide a moderate to adequate level of protection.

The integrity of the energy shield is maintained unless the IS is depleted of power, but the shield tends to lose its strength when nearing a complete power depletion. (The same thing applies to all other components such as armor plates. Weapons, especially, tend to have difficulty maintaining the materialized shape when nearing power depletion)

Passive Inertia Control[]

Incorporating PIC allows the IS to accomplish extreme agility and mobility unparalleled by any conventional platform. PIC largely absorbs and negates impact shock, thus protecting the pilot and the IS from catastrophic events such as high-speed collisions. PIC is also applied to flight assist and coupled with gravity control technology, makes IS capable of flight and hovering.

Hyper Sensor[]

When the pilot is linked to Hyper Sensor, she receives augmented sensory input data from IS's sensor, directly into the body's 5 senses. Simply put, when piloting an IS, the pilot's senses such as vision are greatly improved. Using the sensory data input from IS, the pilot gains a 360-degree field of view, being able to 'see' directions that are not possible for the human body without turning her head (Such as behind, directly above, and below)

However, because such improved sensory input is much different from the normal human body, the pilot must process the input data into something she could comprehend first. (The speed and efficiency of processing such data decides the effectiveness of IS piloting)

Battle Damage Repair[]

As the IS gains experience during any situation while it is active, (be it normal training or combat, or even a simple checkup) it records data about its every component and proceeds with the optimization process. When IS receives damage, it automatically tries to repair the damage during its Closed Form period. The resulting data collected would be implemented throughout its component to improve its efficiency, but the damaged component would be left out of the equation.

It is possible to activate a damaged IS (as long as it has power left) but such action - especially entering a combat situation with a damaged IS - is highly undesirable, since IS would try to cope with the given situation only with components that are still operational. Activating a partially damaged IS causes the inoperable components (damaged parts) to stop optimization until it is fully repaired. This kind of situation could have serious implications since it would interfere with the general optimization process and could even prevent the IS from reaching the 2nd Shift. For that reason, even the most hot-headed pilot tends to refrain from forcing damaged IS into action.

Components[]

ArachneCore

The Core of Arachne, Autumn's IS

Core[]

The Black box of the IS is a combined source of power and AI required to function. The AI inside the core collects data on its pilot to better anticipate their every need. Pilots are supposed to learn to trust the AI as if it were a partner instead of an extension of their will. Because only 467 Cores were created, most of them are shared by the world's governments where only a few IS pilots, who work under certain organizations and large corporations, possess their own personal IS. The reason for having Designated Pilot and Personal IS lies with the very nature of IS itself; possessing a self-evolution mechanism, which is manifested only when IS is kept paired with a pilot for a prolonged time. It is illegal to exchange or remove the cores, due to possible contamination of the data collection capabilities of the AI. Of the 467 cores created, 322 are used for actual combat and the remaining 145 are handed over to research facilities and enterprises of various countries.[5] Time Crystals are the raw material for IS cores, which can only be found in the sprawling cave system underneath Luxembourg.[6]

Energy Barrier/Absolute Defense[]

The Absolute Defense is activated by the IS itself and not by the pilot. If an attack is deemed nonlethal by the IS, it wouldn't activate the Absolute Defense ability; even if it results in minor to moderate injury to its pilot. This ability is said to be able to protect the pilot from any kind of attack, but it also has seriously high power consumption; depleting the power of the IS with just single activation (In that sense, it is more like a pilot safety mechanism rather than combat defense mechanism). In any competition, the pilot is declared the loser if their shield level hits zero to avoid injuring the pilot.

Mandatory unlock[]

Although only mentioned once, the IS also reacts to extreme damage to the pilot or the unit that could cause malfunctions by dematerializing into its closed form. This is called the “mandatory unlock”. There is a warning that you are taking too much damage. If this continues, the IS will return to its “closed form”. It is dangerous for this to happen (both because it has reached a point of critical failure and possible harm to the pilot should it happen mid-flight).

Preset[]

The standard weapon/equipment that all IS possess in the beginning, such as swords for melee type, rifles for long-range, and many other weapons. There is also the option of adding additional weaponry to the Personal IS (known as Equalizer). However, they have to be made especially for the IS in question, a complication made problematic by the core's AI. Since each core is unique and may reject the equipment.

Valkyrie Trace System[]

A piece of equipment/program that emulates the performance of winners from Mondo Grosso. Basically, it tries to copy all aspects of the previous Mondo Grosso champion, theoretically enabling any IS to fight like the champion - who is basically the world's strongest. However, the system is flawed and puts an incredible strain on the pilot; often threatening her life. Research, development, and installing the VT system are strictly banned by Alaska Treaty because of the overwhelming danger to the pilot. The only known user is Laura Bodewig.

IS Suit[]

Pilots wear a special suit when they use an IS, both for practice and missions. The suit enhances the weak electricity on the skin and passes the signal to the IS itself, improving the users' movements. The suits themselves are durable enough to withstand a gunshot from a small-caliber pistol, thus they won't negate the impact. At the IS Academy, they appear similar to old-style school swimsuits with stockings. In the reprint light novel, they also have detached arm sleeves. The male version is a tank top and tight-fitting Bermuda shorts. The IS suit is very form-fitting and skin-tight. Personal IS pilots tend to have custom-made ones that are slightly different from regularly issued suits, such as being in a different color, being similar to their military uniform, or being more revealing. When an IS is materialized, the pilots' clothes are broken down into elementary particles and stored in the IS’ databanks well changing them into their IS suit. However, doing so consumes energy, which is why pilots tend to change into their IS suits normally outside of emergencies.

Forms[]

IS can take different forms, depending on its current status.

Inactive Form[]

The form all the IS take when there are no pilots. In this case, IS retains the physical manifestation of its components even when inactivated, and call-up just activates IS without any significant visible change. Described by Ichika to be kneeling like a samurai before his Lord. All Training IS are in this state since the fitting process is rendered useless due to multiple users.

Closed-Form[]

The form the IS takes when not being used. It takes on different shapes for different users, mostly accessories like rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. for girls, and a gauntlet/bulky bracelet for Ichika. It's possible for an IS close-form to change when it evolves, as in the case of the Imperial Knight.[7]

Default Setting[]

The first form before being initialized for the first time. The IS has the basics like flight capabilities, a shielded barrier, and its related weapon, but the power exhibited is very low, thus it is not recommended to be used immediately in a fight. Once the IS has finished configuring all the settings for the user, it will take the next form.

1st Shift[]

The form is taken after the IS has finished configuring the settings. This is the stage that most users would have for Personal IS. Here they gained full usage of the weaponry given, like the Yukihara from its default metal blade to the energy blade.

2nd Shift[]

An upgrade from the 1st Shift. This is apparently a rare case for an IS to go into a second form, as there are not many cases of IS units evolving to the 2nd Shift. In 2nd Shift, the IS undergoes a dramatic transformation, altering its appearance and gaining new abilities, in particular, the One Off Ability, which is unique to that particular unit. So far in the series, the Byakushiki, the Silver Gospel Kurokishi, and the Imperial Knight are the only known IS to achieve this form.

3rd Shift[]

An upgrade from the 2nd Shift. Similar to the 2nd Shift, the IS goes through a dramatic transformation, gaining more armor and abilities. The only known example is the Byakushiki, which evolved in order to save its pilot's life after he was fatally wounded.

Types of IS[]

Due to the limited number of IS cores (467 to be exact), most of them are being used in R&D, being distributed and shared among the world's governments and corporations. The types of IS are split into two categories:

Training IS[]

Used to train IS students in how to use an IS. Its settings remain the same despite the user. Japan, being the leading pioneer for IS, has developed a mass-production version to train the girls at IS academy, but one must have permission to use it.

Personal IS[]

Personal IS (専用機, Sen'yō-ki?) are special IS units that "bond" and change to fit with the user's specifications. Originally harder to use in their default settings but once formatted to their users, they become like an extension of the users themselves. Personal IS units' abilities far surpass those of the Training IS units, boasting greater output in firepower, speed, and maneuverability.

Cecilia claims that people who are given Personal IS are considered the elites of all elites, making Ichika's case an exception in that he is given a Personal IS for the purpose of gathering data for the government.

Generation[]

It is stated that there are four generations of IS with each generation surpassing the previous in terms of overall specifications, the latest generation being Byakushiki (Ichika) and Akatsubaki (Houki). Each generation of IS has its own specific theme and goal to achieve

  • 1st Generation: A simple completion. The R&D was focused on applying various IS-related technologies to produce stable, operational IS.
  • 2nd Generation: Utilization of add-on capability, known as Equalizer. Application of various equalizer packages enabling the IS capable of various assignments.
  • 3rd Generation: Application of advanced Image-Interface technology, enabling it to field more advanced weapons, such as Blue Tears, Shock Cannon, and AIC.
  • 4th Generation: Application of the Fold-Out Armor, which enables the IS to configure itself to a form that maximizes specific roles, whether attack, defense, or mobility. This makes the IS capable of performing various assignments just by switching its function in real-time, not requiring the time-consuming process of changing Equalizer. Currently, there are only three IS of the 4th generation: Akatsubaki, Seventh Princess, and the Imperial Knight.

Currently, Tabane Shinonono is the only one who created the 4th Generation models, an impressive feat considering she did it on her own without any assistance, while the whole world is still developing 3rd Generation experimental types with the 4th being in theory.

Known IS & Users (in order of appearance)[]

  1. Byakushiki (Ichika Orimura) - Japan 3.5th - 4th Generation Melee Type
  2. Blue Tears (Cecilia Alcott) - UK 3rd Generation Long Range Sniper Type
  3. ShenLong (Lingyin Huang) - China 3rd Generation Melee Type
  4. Rafale Revive Basic (Maya Yamada) - 2nd Generation Multi-Purpose Type
  5. Rafale-Revive Custom II (Charlotte Dunois) - France 2nd - 2.5th Generation Multi-Purpose Type
  6. Schwarzer Regen (Laura Bodewig) - Germany 3rd Generation All-Rounder Type
  7. Akatsubaki (Houki Shinonono) - 4th Generation Melee Type
  8. Uchigane (IS Academy Students) - Mass Produced Training Type
  9. Revive (IS Academy Students) - Mass Produced Training Type
  10. Silver Gospel (Natasha Fairs) - USA/Israel 3rd Generation
  11. Silent Zephyrs (M) - UK 3rd Generation
  12. Mysterious Lady (Tatenashi Sarashiki) - Russia 3rd Generation
  13. Fang Quake (Iris Calling, Leader) - USA 3rd Generation
  14. Uchigane Nishiki (Kanzashi Sarashiki) - Japan 3rd Generation
  15. White Knight (Chifuyu Orimura) - 1st Generation
  16. Kurazakura (Chifuyu Orimura) - Japan 1st Generation
  17. Arachne (Autumn) - USA 2nd Generation
  18. Kurokagi (Chloe Chronicle) - unknown
  19. Black Knight (M) - 3rd Generation
  20. Golden Dawn (Squall Meusel) - 3rd Generation
  21. Hell Hound V2.5 (Daryl Casey) - USA unknown Generation
  22. Cold Blood (Forte Sapphire) - Greece unknown Generation
  23. Tempesta (Alicia Jiosestaf) - Italy unknown Generation
  24. Show Must Go On (Maya Yamada) - 2nd Generation All-Rounder Type
  25. Gustoi Tuman Rossiya (Rogna Kalinych) - Unknown Generation
  26. Schwarzer Zweig (Clarissa Harfouch) - Germany 3rd Generation All-Rounder Type
  27. Rein Carnation (Charlotte Dunois) - France 3rd Generation Multi-Purpose Type
  28. Seventh Princess (Airis Twilight Ruxezemburg) - Luxemburg 4th Generation
  29. Imperial Knight (Djbril Emulail) - Luxemburg 4th Generation Melee Type
  30. Akatsuki (Houki Shinonono) - Unknown Generation Melee Type

Related Searches[]

Trivia[]

References[]

  1. LN Volume 10 Chapter 4
  2. LN Volume 12 Ch 3
  3. LN Volume 10 Ch 3
  4. LN Volume 12 Ch 3
  5. Light Novel Volume 3, Chapter 3
  6. LN Volume 12 Ch 1
  7. LN Volume 12 Ch 3
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