Erica Hartmann, codenamed the "Black Devil," is a Karlsland witch and founding member of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing. Born in Weissach to a physician father and a retired witch mother, she initially pursued medical studies before abandoning them after her mother’s illness reignited her commitment to her magical heritage. Childhood travels across Asia for her father’s work broadened her worldview, but family loyalty ultimately steered her toward witchcraft. At the academy, her rivalry with classmate Hanna-Justina Marseille fueled her ascent to top cadet, cementing her competitive drive. Deployed to Jagdgeschwader 52, Erica’s combat career opened with a catastrophic first mission, yet she rapidly honed her skills, amassing over 300 aerial victories. Her tactical genius shone during Karlsland’s defense and Gallia’s evacuation, where she forged enduring bonds with Gertrud Barkhorn and Waltrud Krupinski. Renowned for icy composure in battle, she contrasted sharply with her off-duty persona—a lax, rule-flouting slob who ignored chores, hoarded sweets, and drew Barkhorn’s frequent scoldings. Erica defies military formalism, prioritizing autonomy and camaraderie over rank. Her loyalty to allies overrides personal ambition, leading her to reject promotions and skirt bureaucracy. Though her disheveled quarters and potato-centric diet became unit legends, her combat precision and Sturm magic—wind-manipulated barrel rolls—made her indispensable. Piloting the black-tulip-adorned Messerscharf Bf109G-6 and K-4 strikers, she prioritized strategic efficiency, minimizing risks to protect wingmen, mirroring Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen’s methods. From liberating Gallia and Venezia to spearheading Operation Mars and probing Neuroi threats, Erica’s adaptability proved critical. Between missions, she lightened the war’s grimness with pranks, like filching Francesca Lucchini’s underwear before a ceremony, triggering a farcical scandal. Her culinary disasters prompted an official ban, yet she joined communal meals, underscoring her role as both jester and unifier. Relationships define her: a bedrock partnership with Barkhorn, forged in mutual trust; a sisterly bond with Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke; and camaraderie with Sanya V. Litvyak. Her rivalry with Marseille thawed into tense collaboration during joint operations, their competitive edge undimmed. Post-war aspirations to resume medical studies and reunite with her family anchor her, blending paternal legacy with battlefield resolve—a duality of healer and warrior etched into her identity.