Project Mage

"Kintovar," Lina began, "Your children have been through so much, haven't they? Can you tell me what happened to them?"

Kintovar nodded. "They have indeed been through a great deal," Kintovar began. "They were involved in a battle against an incredibly powerful adversary known as Dark Whirlwind. While I wasn't there to witness the entire fight, I've gathered enough information to understand the severity of the situation that seems to be plaguing the city."

Kintovar's gaze shifted to Risebelle's tank. "Risebelle, in particular, bore the brunt of Dark Whirlwind's destruction. She sustained a severe injury, a hole that was left in her body as a result of the confrontation. It's a challenge to repair, and I'm doing everything in my power to ensure that she and her sisters can survive."

"That's awful," Lina replied. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"For now, your presence and support mean a great deal," Kintovar said. "We'll continue to monitor their progress and provide the care they need. I'm determined to do everything I can to bring them back to full health."

Lina's fascination with Kintovar's technology was evident in her curious gaze around the ‘lab’. The equipment and machinery in the cabin drew her attention and made Lina’s eyes starry.

"Kintovar, this tech is amazing," Lina exclaimed. "I've been studying technology in the South Jancito, but what you have here is on a whole other level. Have you ever considered going to the South Jancito? I can show you around there."

After a moment of contemplation, Kintovar spoke. "Lina, I appreciate your offer, and the South Jancito does hold tremendous potential for my work. But I have responsibilities here. I can't leave them unattended for now."

"Is there any way we can stay in touch?" Lina asked. "I believe that your expertise could benefit our research. I'd hate for us to miss out on such an opportunity. Can you at least consider a way for us to communicate?"

Kintovar initially seemed hesitant, but she then relented with a soft sigh. "Okay, okay," she conceded. "I have a communication device that I had planned to give to someone else, but it should serve your purpose just fine."

With that, Kintovar reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, sleek smartphone-like device. She handed it to Lina and explained, "This device will allow you to contact me. It's encrypted and secure, so you shouldn't have any issues using it. Keep it safe, and when you need to reach me, just use it. We can stay in touch that way."

Lina's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Kintovar. I promise we'll make the most of this opportunity. Your expertise will be a valuable addition to our research team, even from a distance."

Kintovar nodded.

Becky and Sybil approached Kintovar with serious looks. Kintovar looked up and noticed their expressions.

"Doc," Becky began, "we need to talk to you about something important."

Kintovar set aside her tools and turned her full attention to Becky and Sybil. She could sense that this conversation held significance.

Sybil spoke next, "We've decided that when Lina and Bob leave North Jancito, we're going with them."

Kintovar remained calm, but her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. .After a moment of silence, Kintovar nodded. "I see… You've made your decision, and I won't stand in your way.”

Becky and Sybil exchanged glances. Kintovar added, "Just remember that you can always reach out to me through the communication device I gave Lina. I'll be here, working on my creations and advancing my research. If you ever need my help or expertise, don't hesitate to contact me."

Becky couldn't contain her emotions any longer. She burst into tears, throwing herself into Kintovar's arms, exclaiming, "I'll miss you, Doc!"

Kintovar was surprised by Becky's sudden display of affection. She patted Becky awkwardly on the back and managed a small smile."You've certainly did add some excitement to my life."

Sybil joined in with equal tears. She hugged Kintovar tightly and said with sadness, "And I'll miss your crazy experiments, Doc!"

Kintovar sighed and shook her head. She came to realize that this was Becky and Sybil's way of coping with their departure. She reluctantly hugged them both back and said, “Yes, that's right. You two mages have been a handful. How could I not feel a little sad to see you go?"

When the time to departure came, Bob and Lina gathered their belongings, preparing to leave Alden's cabin. Sally, Alden's 7-year-old daughter, approached them with sadness.

"I'm going to miss you all," Sally said with a small frown.

Bob leaned down with a mischievous grin and whispered, "But Sally, there's something you missed the whole time I was here." He then pulled out a small fake nose from his pocket and playfully placed it on Sally's face.

Sally blinked in surprise and touched the fake nose. She giggled."How did that get in your pocket, Bob?"

Bob and Sally chorused together, "Magic!"

Becky leaned in close to Kintovar and whispered with a grin, "Save a piece of Dark Whirlwind for me, Doc! I've got some unfinished business with that piece of shit."

Sybil added, "We'll keep in touch, Doc. You've been a big part of our journey, and we won't forget that."

Kintovar grinned. "I'll be waiting for your updates and adventures. And don't forget, you're never out of options as long as you have Dr. Kintovar on your side! Bwahahaha!"

With their farewells exchanged, Bob, Lina, Becky, and Sybil set off on their next adventure, leaving behind a cabin filled with memories and a brilliant scientist.

The landscape of North Jancito were back against them. Becky inquired to Bob, "So, where are we heading next? Any specific plans?"

Bob glanced at his companions. "Well," he began, "there's a big tournament coming up in the East. It's a major event, and Dj is planning to enter. The thing is, they don't see Dj as a criminal over there, so he's safe as long as he's in East Jancito. But the moment he steps out of it, they'll try and catch him."

Becky crossed her arms. "That's a really tricky situation," she replied. "But what if we turn the tables on them? What if Sybil and I enter the tournament too?"

Lina looked with some surprise. "Enter the tournament? You two? The competitors in the East are some of the strongest mages around. They put everyone in the North to shame. You two wouldn’t last 2 minutes in that arena."

Becky shot back, "Well, Lina, how do you think people become strong? They start somewhere, and I'm willing to learn as I go along. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to keep an eye on Dj and maybe even give him a surprise he won't forget."

Sybil nodded in agreement with Becky's determination. "Becky's right. We'll figure it out. Besides, it'll be an adventure."

Bob and Lina exchanged glances, pondering the audacious plan presented by Becky and Sybil. Bob finally broke the silence with a smirk. "Well, you two have always been the rowdy ones. If you're willing to take on this challenge, then who am I to stop you? Let's do it."

Lina chuckled. "Fine, fine. If you're set on this, then let's see what you can do. But don't say I didn't warn you about the competition."

With their decision made, the group continued their journey.

In the Arena of East Jancito, a practice tournament was in full swing. Mages from all over the region had gathered to test their skills, hoping to gain recognition and prepare for the upcoming major tournament. Among the competitors was Dj.

In the final round of the practice tournament there was a tense air. The spectators were eager to witness the formidable talents of the competitors. Dj stood confidently in one corner of the arena.

The announcer boomed through the stadium, echoing off the walls. "Ladies and gentlemen, for the final round of our practice tournament, we have a special treat! The Night Dj, Dj, known for his extraordinary abilities, is here to show us what he's made of!"

The crowd murmured in anticipation as Dj stepped into the spotlight. His blade, a magnificent weapon with an ornate hilt glowed in the sunlight.

"Facing off against the Night Dj, we have a rising star in the arena! Please welcome Sentive!"

Sentive emerged from the opposite side of the arena. She had wavy rose pink hair cascading down her shoulders piercing aqua eyes. She also wore a knightly top and skirt ensemble.

"Hey there, Sentive," Dj began with a wink. "How about a date after I win this match?"

Sentive remained stoic. She tilted her head slightly, meeting Dj's gaze with a cool gaze of her own. "Why don't you save your charms for after you actually win, though I find you will have a hard time with that."

Dj chuckled. "Confident, huh? I like that." He flashed another grin. "But you know, I might surprise you."

Sentive's lips quirked in a small smirk. "We'll see how much you like me after this."

The announcer declared the start of the match. Sentive wasted no time, invoking her sword magic,

"Choke, Urmine!"

Her sword transformed into a whip-like blade infused with blue magical energy that radiated powerfully in the arena's light. Dj's eyes widened. "Uh oh," Dj muttered to himself. "She's getting serious right from the start."

With agility and speed, Dj dashed around the arena, narrowly evading Sentive's precise strikes. His movements were swift and almost dance-like. “How about we skip the part where you try to coil me up?" Dj called out with a hint of mischief.

Sentive smirked and launched another calculated strike at Dj; however, he anticipated her move and managed to evade the attack once again.

Dj continued his agile movements around Sentive, he decided to change tactics, closing the distance between them swiftly. With a playful grin, he feinted a punch towards her stomach, pulling back at the last moment. "I don't like hitting girls in the face, so…"

Sentive face hardened slightly at his remark. “In battle, all opponents should be treated equally," she retorted firmly.

Sentive's whip blade suddenly shattered into numerous smaller blades that scattered towards Dj with surprising speed and precision. Caught off guard, Dj quickly drew his own blade, deflecting the incoming projectiles with swift slashes.

"Hmph, looks like you've finally drawn your blade," Sentive remarked coolly. "Now we can stop playing around."

A purple aura began to envelop Sentive's body, emanating an increase in her magical power. The atmosphere around her crackled with intensity. Dj narrowed his eyes, sensing the shift in Sentive's demeanor. He adjusted his stance, focusing his own magical energy.

Sentive unleashed her next move with precision and finesse. Channeling her enhanced magical power.

With a swift motion, Sentive swung her remaining whip hilt in a serpentine pattern, conjuring purple coils that mimicked the movements of a snake. The magical energy twisted and coiled through the air, aiming to ensnare Dj in its unpredictable dance.

But Dj was quick on his feet. He thrust his blade into the ground, and an astonishing transformation occurred. The blade erupted from the earth as a magnificent blue flaming dragon.

The gasps from the audience were deafening upon seeing this incredible display of magic. The announcer, with shock themselves, declared, "Ladies and gentlemen, you're seeing it here first! Dj's blade has just emerged as a blue flaming dragon!"

Sentive, momentarily taken aback by the sheer majesty of Dj's power, quickly tried to regain her focus. She met the charging dragon head-on. Purple and blue energies clashed in a dazzling display of magical prowess

Despite Sentive’s skill, she found herself gradually overwhelmed by the sheer force and ferocity of Dj's dragon. In a matter of seconds, she was enveloped in a torrent of azure fire. She let out a cry of frustration while being hurled backward, defeated.

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. The announcer, now regaining his composure, spoke with enthusiasm, "And there you have it, folks! Dj has won the practice tournament final round in spectacular fashion. This is what the Tysukiyomi's can do!"

Dj, smirked at the attention. He sheathed his blade and walked past Sentive. Sentive, though disappointed in defeat, gathered herself. She stepped forward and called out, "Wait!"

Dj, with his hands casually in his pockets, glanced back at Sentive, curious about what she had to say. She bowed her head slightly. Dj walked over with hands in his pocket. He gently lifted Sentive's chin with a finger under her chin, prompting her to meet his gaze. "A warrior should always hold their head high," he said softly

Sentive's cheeks flushed momentarily at Dj's unexpected gesture. She nodded silently.

"I'll let you off easy this time," Dj teased lightly. "But when you get stronger, I'll be expecting that date you promised."

Sentive’s face softened at Dj's words. Something akin to admiration flickered in her eyes.

Dj strolled offstage past a trio of mages. Gaiza, the young girl with blue hair glanced at him. She turned to Aliana.

"Princess Aliana, what do you think of this newcomer?" Gaiza asked.

Aliana, regarded Dj with her demeanor. She started the conversation with a polite smile.

"Interesting indeed," Aliana replied. "He carries an aura of confidence. I sense something unique about his magical energy. It could make for a compelling battle."

Elena, standing beside Gaiza, observed Dj with a hint of curiosity. Aliana continued, "Let us observe him closely. We shall see if his abilities continue to match his confidence. In any case, a powerful opponent is always welcome to the new queen of ice."