Strike Witches: Suomus Iran-ko Chuutai

In a world much like Earth, magic exists but is rare and fades with age, typically manifesting in young women as minor abilities like creating protective fields or moving objects. In the 16th and 17th centuries, a breakthrough came with the invention of the magic engine, a steam-powered device that amplified a witch’s power, enabling the operation of machinery and revolutionizing industry. Around this time, sightings of the Neuroi, mysterious creatures that spread a corrosive miasma and consumed metal, increased dramatically. These creatures overwhelmed conventional forces, but witches, protected by their magic fields, proved effective in combat. Equipped with magic engines, they became crucial in fighting the Neuroi. In 1939, as Europe faced a major Neuroi threat, witches from the Fuso Empire were sent to assist. Anabuki Tomoko, a decorated witch, was unexpectedly assigned to Suomus, where she joined a group of overlooked and underperforming witches. Together, they form the Suomus Independent Volunteer Air Squadron, tasked with confronting the Neuroi threat.