"Nonna that." I realize this is an intentional colloquialism, but my mind goes to "for'n for Nine" first and makes it read a little awkwardly. Maybe "None o'" or "Non'a?"
So, how long until Imma unveils the Wave Motion Cannon attack?
As for combat effectiveness, do recall that he has considerable study time as well as direct lessons in both theory and practice from the girls - perhaps not with full power spells against each other, but for that there's the mental simulations like what Nanoha had Raising Heart constantly running. So, while newbie mistakes should still be a thing here and there, Ford should be able to handle himself to some degree. As far as we've seen, I think you're hitting the balance fairly well.
While some more focus would be a good idea, the fact that you aren't too high on adrenaline and fight/flight response to think at all in battle is, if anything, the least believable part of your "rookie" portrayal - no matter how much training you have, what weapons or protections, getting in a serious fight is SCARY, even without, or without having internalized, the risk of death. I'm not sure how to work that in without diverting a large part of your story, though.
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows
So, how long until Imma unveils the Wave Motion Cannon attack?
As for combat effectiveness, do recall that he has considerable study time as well as direct lessons in both theory and practice from the girls - perhaps not with full power spells against each other, but for that there's the mental simulations like what Nanoha had Raising Heart constantly running. So, while newbie mistakes should still be a thing here and there, Ford should be able to handle himself to some degree. As far as we've seen, I think you're hitting the balance fairly well.
While some more focus would be a good idea, the fact that you aren't too high on adrenaline and fight/flight response to think at all in battle is, if anything, the least believable part of your "rookie" portrayal - no matter how much training you have, what weapons or protections, getting in a serious fight is SCARY, even without, or without having internalized, the risk of death. I'm not sure how to work that in without diverting a large part of your story, though.
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows