Project Mage

Risebelle and Jess stood in Risebelle's room, dressed in their school uniforms, ready to head out. On the surface, they looked like ordinary students preparing for another day of classes, but they were lying to the school and skipping classes.

The voice in the back of her head said’ Oh god! Risebelle, are you sure about this? You’ve never skipped school a day in your life, and you strive to be a straight-A student and yet here you are being a delinquent. Do you REALLY want to risk getting an F on your permanent record if you are caught?’

Risebelle adjusted her tie with precision, making sure it sat perfectly against her crisp white shirt.

Jess, on the other hand, struggled with the concept of looking like a model student. She fixed her navy blazer, feeling like it was constricting her free spirit.

While them to the mirror to check their appearances, their eyes met in the reflection. There was a silent exchange of understanding and support for them.

Risebelle took a deep breath and turned to Jess. "We may be dressed for school, but our minds are set on a different course today."

Jess flashed a mischievous grin. "We’re ditching the classroom for a bit of adventure. I wouldn’t miss a chance to have some fun with you for the world."

With one last look in the mirror, they left the room.

Risebelle and Jess were about to head out the door when Risebelle's mother stepped in their path. To their surprise, she opened her arms and pulled Risebelle into a warm, tight hug.

Risebelle's eyes widened. She hesitated for a moment before returning the embrace. Risebelle thought to herself, ‘What the hell? Pigs are gonna be frikin flying in the sky!”

After pulling away, Risebelle asked, “Mom, why are you hugging me now? This is so unlike you. You didn't even visit me while I was in my 3 day coma and now you're acting like this. Why?"

Her mother looked down, her stern face softening. "Risebelle, I know I haven’t always been the best at showing it, but I've always wanted the best for you. I pushed you hard because I believed in your potential. But seeing you hurt, realizing that I wasn’t there for you when you needed me... It made me rethink my approach."

Risebelle frowned, trying to understand. "So, do you really care about me, or is this just a reaction to when I was in the hospital?"

Her mother sighed deeply. "I do care about you. I know my way of showing it hasn’t been perfect over the years, I mean I haven’t hugged you in years, but…I’m learning, trying to be more supportive, especially after seeing how much you’ve gone through."

Risebelle studied her mother’s face, searching for sincerity. "It’s a start, I guess. But don’t expect me to just forget everything."

Risebelle and Jess walked towards their meeting place, but Risebelle couldn’t shake the strange encounter with her mother. “That was even weirder than the usual mess we deal with,” Risebelle remarked, raising an eyebrow.

Jess smirked, her tone playful. “Yeah, it’s like we’ve stepped into a new reality or something. Maybe she’s got a softer side after all.”

Risebelle chuckled, shaking her head. “Let’s not get too caught up in it. I don’t need her to snap back into her old ways just when I’m starting to make sense of things.”

Jess grinned and nudged Risebelle. “Totally agree. We've got enough chaos with Shadowcroft and this ‘Sleuth of Shadows’ business. No need for any more surprises.”

As Risebelle and Jess made their way to the outskirts of town, the fog that had shrouded the morning was now even thicker. The world around them was reduced to ghostly silhouettes, and sounds seemed to be muffled by the heavy mist.

In the midst of this ethereal fog, they caught a glimpse of someone standing in front of an old, weathered building. Her distinct blue and pink puffball hairstyle made her look different than the others. Her unusually tall stature of six feet, and her multicolored shirt certainly stood out. The girl also wore a deep sadness on her face. It was a familiar face to Risebelle, someone they had met before in their investigations, but for Jess, this was a new encounter.

Roselle, who had arrived ahead of them, looked nervously at the girl who stood beside her. She was jittery.

Risebelle turned to Jess after approaching Sadie. "Jess, this is Sadie. She's the one who messaged me, and she's also known as CipherMystery08 and the Sleuth of Shadows. She’s helped us with our investigations."

Jess gave a friendly nod to Sadie but was wary. The heavy fog caused everyone except Sadie to look with a sense of unease.

Sadie began to lead Risebelle, Roselle, and Jess into the old, weathered building hidden within the thick, mysterious fog."I'm glad you all made it safely," Sadie began somberly. "You're about to see something that might be quite unsettling, and I hope none of you will panic when you see it."

With those words of caution, Sadie continued guiding them through the dimly lit corridors of the building, where the shadows seemed to stretch and twist, adding an extra layer of eerie uncertainty to the already fog-laden atmosphere.

While moving further into the building, Sadie decided to speak up. "I am the Sleuth of Shadows, the one who wrote about the Doppelganger case on the Forum of Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows. What you didn't know is that I am also a victim of Shadowcroft. They took something from me, something I can never get back no matter what I do.The only thing that will satisfy me is the total destruction of Shadowcroft, and I’m doing whatever it takes to make sure that this happens."

Finally, they entered a large room with a central area that was only illuminated by flickering firelight. The room had an odd assortment of chairs, tables, and other items. In one of the chairs, they saw a person bound and gagged. Her school shirt and skirt was torn in places. She had visible cuts and bruises.

It was Rosebelle. Sadie turned to the trio with a grave look. "I present to you the Key to Shadowcroft."

Risebelle's mind swirled in a whirlpool of shock and disbelief. Here was the powerful Rosebelle bound and injured in front of her. Rosebelle was someone who Risebelle barely managed to hold up against in a fight, and the fact that she had been defeated by someone other than her was beyond comprehension.

"What the hell... What's going on here?" Risebelle asked. Her confusion gave way to frustration. "And who are you really, Sadie? That can't be your real name. You have some kind of power, don't you?! How the hell did you manage to take down Rosebelle?!"

Sadie met Risebelle's gaze with a pained fac. She responded. "I've hidden my name for a good reason. I am the result of Shadowcroft's fusion, the merging of two supernatural powers. My ability is insight. If I touch someone, I can gain knowledge about them, their past, their abilities, their secrets..."

Sadie paused momentarily before saying, "My real name is..."

The intense memory ended abruptly, leaving Risebelle disoriented for a moment. A manifestation of her internal system appeared.

"Memory fragment concluded," the System's echoed within Risebelle's mind. "Your internal systems remain damaged. However, Project Zab Data collection has increased from 45% to 60%."

The Gentle System took a physical form for a more personal interaction and greeted Risebelle with a smile.

"Project Zab, your efforts have been exceptional. You have now reached over 50% data collection, eliminating the risk of a Magical rupture when utilizing Project Zab transformation. Your diligence in understanding your past has brought you to this point."

The System continued, "However, it's essential to recognize the source of your strength, which is your wellspring of anger and hatred. This power is not without its risks, as evidenced by your previous transformation against Dark Whirlwind, which left you in your current condition."

The system made gestures with its hands. "Project Zab is a very powerful transformation, but it demands mastery. You now have the ability to transform into this state; however, it comes with a price."

"Yeah, I know the price already," Risebelle said with frustration. "The 24 hours of shut-down time. I don’t need a lecture on it. It doesn’t matter how powerful Project Zab is if I’m not repaired by Kintovar. And right now, I can’t even tell if she’s started working on me."

"Your concerns are valid, Project Zab. Kintovar’s assistance is crucial for your full recovery. The progress of repairs is not currently within my direct monitoring capabilities, but I can assure you that she is aware of your condition.”

Risebelle nodded then stared up for a minute before she spoke, “The hole in my body left by Dark Whirlwind... It’s beyond our ability to repair, isn’t it...?”

She hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts, before continuing. "During that memory fragment, I came to accept something, System. Not all humans are evil. There's more to them than I initially thought."

The Gentle System acknowledged her words with a gentle understanding. "Project Zab, it's crucial for you to continue your journey of understanding and growth. You've made progress, but there is more to learn. You still have 40% data collection to go before making a final decision about your Heart of Vengeance."

Risebelle nodded. “I’ll continue to strive for that understanding, System, and work toward a world where not all humans are seen as my enemies. But first, we have to deal with the situation at hand."

Risebelle looked at the Gentle System with a troubled gaze. “You know, System, I can't shake the feeling that Shadowcroft, that company from the memory fragment, might actually exists in the real world. If what I saw in that memory was my past, then it's possible that they're active in the present as well. Dark Whirlwind having the face of Roselle can't just be a coincidence. It can’t be… it just can’t… It's all too much of a damn coincidence.”

The Gentle System paused, processing the question. "I will attempt to scan for any memories related to your arrival at the City, which might provide some insight into Shadowcroft's current—“

Risebelle shook her head, cutting the System off. "Don’t bother. We’re offline, and it's not worth the effort. I just can't ignore the resemblance between Dark Whirlwind and Roselle. It's too much of a coincidence for Shadowcroft to have existed in the past without having some presence in the present."

The System acknowledged her observation with a nod. "Your insight is valuable. The connection between Shadowcroft and the entities you've encountered could provide important clues. Perhaps the company does exist in present day."

As the System spoke, Risebelle suddenly felt a strange sensation coursing through her. A shift in her internal structure began, and she felt something starting to fill the hole that had been left by Dark Whirlwind. The entire inside of her mind shook, and a deep, unsettling vibration spread through her.

Risebelle's eyes widened in alarm. "What’s happening? Why is everything shaking?"

The Gentle System remained calm. "It appears to be an attempt by Dr. Kintovar to overwrite a component within your system and introduce a new element to your personality."

Risebelle’s frustration grew. "That's annoying. I didn't ask for any emotional changes. Kintovar can’t just do that without my consent."

The System’s tone softened. "It might be the only way to repair your internal systems and stabilize your condition. While it may seem intrusive, it is intended to address the critical issues affecting your functionality."

Risebelle gritted her teeth,. "Great. Just what I needed—more complications.”

As the shifting sensation continued, the Gentle System through with a subtle change in tone. "The sadness emotion has been registered to your databank. From now on, you will be able to feel and recognize sadness more frequently than you are accustomed to."

Risebelle’s eyes widened in disbelief. "No way! I don’t want to feel sadness more often. This wasn’t part of the deal. I want you to stop this!"

Despite her protests, the change was already taking effect. Risebelle’s emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Her eyes welled up with tears and she fell to her knees.

Risebelle tried to wipe away the tears and shouted, “Stop it! Please, System! I can’t handle this. I don’t want to feel like this. Remove it! Remove it now!"

The Gentle System’s response was gentle but firm. "This is how you truly feel right now, Risebelle. The sadness you are experiencing is a reflection of your current state and is necessary for your emotional balance and recovery."

Risebelle’s shoulders shook and fought against the wave of emotions coming into her. "I didn’t ask for this. It’s too much. I can’t focus on my objectives if I’m going to be like this, damn it! Remove it! Please! "

The System’s soothing presence remained. "I understand that this is difficult, but acknowledging and processing these emotions is part of your healing process. You must face these feelings to move forward to regain your strength."

As the System spoke, memories flooded Risebelle’s mind. She recalled the destruction of the city in the aftermath of the battle with Dark Whirlwind, and the state Roselle and Runebelle were left in. The image of her sisters in pools of their own blood was too much for her to take.

Risebelle’s tears flowed freely. Through her sobs, she murmured to herself, "This must be how Roselle feels when she cries Damn it…I feel so…weak…. It’s... unbearable."