Project Mage

Runebelle's consciousness drifted in the void of her mind, a silent, dark abyss. The last thing she remembered was the brutal clash with Dark Whirlwind, and now she found herself here, floating aimlessly within the consuming darkness.

[System Alert]

Runebelle's Life Force: -55% (Critical Condition - Close to Destruction)

Immediate intervention required to stabilize her condition.

Suddenly, a cheerful chime echoed within her mind.

[Cheerful System Initiating...]

The darkness began to melt away, replaced by a vibrant meadow covered in warm sunlight. Flowers of every hue swayed gently in the breeze, which carried the sweet scent of blossoms.A figure appeared in the meadow, a bright and energetic cheerleader with pom-poms, radiating positivity. "Congratulations, Rune, on successfully using Project Rune transformation!" the cheerleader exclaimed, bouncing on her heels and shaking her pom-poms. "You were amazing out there!"

Runebelle however, was far from joyful. She looked down at her hands sadly. "If I'm here," Runebelle murmured, "it means we lost to Dark Whirlwind."

The cheerleader's smile faltered slightly. "But you gave it your all, and that counts for something, right?"

Runebelle shook her head. "We had a strong bond, my sisters and I. We worked as a team, used everything we had, and still, we failed. I failed."

The cheerleader approached her gently. "Runebelle, it's okay to feel disappointed. But remember, failure is just a stepping stone. Your bond with your sisters is your greatest strength, and it's not over yet."

Runebelle trembled while speaking, "I don't understand, System. We were supposed to be strong. I was supposed to be strong. I've seen my sisters fight so hard, and I've witnessed their pain. I thought that with the Project Rune transformation, I could finally contribute, finally make a difference... finally protect them for a change."

The Cheerful System nodded. “You stood by their side and helped them out with everything you had."

Runebelle's eyes welled with unshed tears "But what good am I if I can't help them when it matters the most? I just…. I feel like I'm not enough. I've felt happiness, hope, and confidence. I felt all of these things just for someone to pull them away, leaving me with this overwhelming sadness. Why does this always happen? Every…single…time…"

The cheerleader system, sensing the depth of Runebelle's despair, shifted from exuberance to a more somber tone. “I understand this is difficult,” she said gently. “But there’s something I need you to see.”

With a soft chime, three translucent screens materialized before Runebelle. They displayed different scenes from the battle. The first screen showed the trio—Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle—united in their fight. Their movements were synchronized, yet Roselle's actions bore a hint of hesitation.

The second screen highlighted Risebelle. She lashed out in anger with every attack she made. . Her fury propelled her forward, but her anger also seemed to be overheating her own systems, which clouded her judgment and coordination.

The third screen focused on Runebelle herself, displaying her valiant efforts during the fight. Despite the chaos caused by Dark whirlwind, her resolve remained strong. She tried to assist her sisters with everything she had.

The Cheerful System spoke softly, “These screens are here to remind you that the battle wasn’t solely your responsibility. Roselle was grappling with her own uncertainties, and Risebelle was consumed by her rage. Each of you had your struggles, and none of you are perfect beings.”

Runebelle’s eyes followed the screens. Tears streamed down her face while seeing herself in the moments of struggle and attempting to protect her sisters.

“Rune,” the Cheerful System continued, “you did everything you could. Your contributions were significant. You fought bravely and stood by your sisters. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t go as planned. But that doesn’t mean you failed. It means you need to find the strength to continue, to learn, and to grow.”

Runebelle’s sobs began to subside. The meadow’s vibrant colors seemed to shift, embracing her with a sense of calm and understanding.

“I… I just want to be strong for them,” Runebelle said .“I want to protect them, no matter what.”

The Cheerful System smiled gently. “And that desire to protect is your strength. It’s not about never falling; it’s about getting up each time you do. You’ve faced immense challenges, and you’ve shown courage and resilience. Remember, your strength isn’t defined by a single battle, but by your heart and your will to keep moving forward.”

As it spoke, a notification appeared in Runebelle's virtual space:

[System Message]

Fragmented Memory Found - Project Rune Data Collection: 60%

The Cheerful Systemstated with a smile, "This is good news, Rune. We've found another Fragmented Memory. Up to now, these memories have shown you things you had forgotten, which contributed to your sadness. However, they also helped you come to terms with your emotions and understand yourself better. The next Fragment Memories are crucial, and with them, we're getting closer to reaching 100%."

Just then, another notification appeared:

[System Alert]

Repairs Detected - Life Force: -45% (Stabilizing - Positive Trend Noted)

Runebelle’s could feel her lifeforce slowly regenerating. The pain that had been a constant presence began to dull. It was replaced by warmth.

"This feels... different," Runebelle murmured. "Am I... getting better?"

The Cheerful System nodded. "Yes, Rune. It seems Dr. Kintovar has begun her work on your repairs. Your lifeforce is stabilizing, and with time, you will recover."

"What about my sisters?" she asked with worry. "I don't know if I'll ever see them again."

The Cheerful System responded. “Hold onto hope, Rune. Believe in your bond with Roselle and Risebelle. You will see them again when you are repaired. For now, focus on your recovery and trust that they are doing the same.”

Runebelle nodded slowly. She shifted her attention back to the notification about the Fragmented Memory. The Cheerful System also changed focus towards it, “Rune, this Fragmented Memory is essential. It will help you understand more about yourself and your past. Can you stay strong for me and endure it?”

Runebelle took a deep breath. She remembered what the Cheerful System had said earlier. “Yes,” she replied. She shook off her sadness as much as possible and attempted to wear a face of confidence. “I want to get up stronger after every defeat I suffer. I’ll endure it.”

With a supportive smile, the Cheerful System activated the memory fragment. The meadow’s vibrant colors faded, replaced by the flickering images of Runebelle’s past.

In this memory, Runebelle, her mother, and Mrs. Pearls faced off against Bossman and his crew, who had invaded their home. Runebelle and her mother Rune fought with all their might, defending their home and each other. But Bossman and his followers were very powerful, and the odds were stacked against them.

At the very last second of the battle, Rune unleashed a supernatural power. This was a result of the sheer insanity and rage she had for what Bossman had done to her and her family.

Bossman was caught off guard by Rune's sudden burst of power and the fury in her eyes, but he managed to land a lucky blow on Rune, knocking her unconscious.

The scene transitioned to Bossman standing over Rune's unconscious body. He muttered to himself, "That Unnatural power... It was hidden all along, and now it's been revealed."

He turned to his followers and issued orders. "Secure them both. We'll take them to our facility, and the real work will begin."

In the depths of the Shadowcroft’s facility, the atmosphere was cold and sterile, with the pervasive hum of machinery and the flickering of harsh fluorescent lights casting a clinical pallor over everything. The facility itself appeared to be a massive complex.

Runebelle found herself within one of many ominous chambers which each housed a vertically oriented, translucent tube of advanced technology. Inside these transparent enclosures, human subjects were suspended, their unconscious forms eerily illuminated by the soft, artificial light.

Runebelle slowly regained consciousness to discover herself trapped within one of these tubes. Her heart raced with confusion and fear.

The sound of approaching footsteps echoed in the chamber. It grew louder with each passing second. A man dressed in a pristine, dark suit entered the room. The man regarded Runebelle with a look of mild interest.

"Ah, Runebelle, isn't it? You've awoken just in time," the man said with a devilish grin. "Welcome to the Shadowcroft facility. You're about to become the first subject of our soul-harvesting experiments. A significant honor, I assure you."

Runebelle's gaze darted around in fear. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw her mother, Rune, suspended in another translucent tube nearby. The sight of her mother in such a state sent a wave of panic through her.

Runbelle immediately attempted to break free from the confines of the tube. She was frantic, but the man began to speak, interrupting her efforts.

"I wouldn't advise struggling, Runebelle. The substance you're floating in serves as both a restraint and a medium for the process," the man explained while placing hands behind his back. "If you escape, it will have... unpleasant consequences for both you and your dear mother."

Runebelle's gaze flickered between her imprisoned mother and the unfeeling man before her. She felt like she was trapped, and her mother's life was at stake.

The man continued to talk, “You see, we have a particular interest in souls, especially those with untapped potential," he began while pacing back and forth. "In your case, we believe that your soul, when properly harnessed, can be a source of incredible power. And your mother's soul, Rune, has its unique abilities as well."

Runebelle looked at the man with confusion coming to her face amidst her desperation, "But I don't have any abilities. I've never had any."

The man glanced at her, "That's where you're mistaken, my dear. You may not have manifested any abilities yet, but they lie dormant within you, waiting for the right conditions to emerge."

He paused, then stopped pacing and turned to look at Runebelle directly. "Our plan is simple. We will merge your soul with your mother's, combining your latent abilities with hers to create a new, more powerful soul. This process will be the catalyst for unlocking your dormant potential."

Runebelle trembled with fear, but protested, "Y-You can't do this! This is cruel!”

In the midst of her distress, the fluid-filled chamber prevented her from moving the way she wanted to. Runebelle’s heart ached for her mother, who was starting to regain consciousness in the adjacent tube.

Rune’s eyes snapped open. Her disorientation quickly gave way to sheer panic. The once subdued figure in the adjacent tube now began thrashing violently

"Runebelle! RUNEBELLE!" Rune’s echoed with desperation and fear. Her eyes darted frantically around the chamber, seeking any sign of her child. "Where are you?! What have they done to you? I swear I’ll kill whoever put me in here!"

In a frenzy, Rune began to slam her fists against the transparent tube, but the reinforced glass resisted her attempts with impassive ease. Her rage and fear seemed to fuel her strength, but the technology stood firm. She kicked and banged at the walls of the chamber. Her cries grew more frantic with each passing moment.

"Runebelle! Answer me!" she shouted while breaking into a sob.

Runebelle’s heart ached at the sight and sound of her mother’s suffering. She struggled to reach Rune through the barrier of her own chamber with her words.

"Mom, I’m here! I’m right here!" she called out.

Runebelle's managed to pierce through Rune’s frenzied state, but the sight of the cold machinery and the realization that she couldn't reach her daughter pushed Rune deeper into her rage. Her efforts to break free only seemed to reinforce the futility of her situation.

“Runebelle,” Rune screamed. “Hold on, sweetheart! I’m coming for you! I won’t let them do this!”

Rune’s frenzied attempts to break free eventually slowed. Her hands were bruised and bleeding from the relentless assault on the glass. They now rested limply against the transparent barrier. Her breaths came in ragged gasps while looking across the chamber at Runebelle. She shifting from anger to deep, heartbreaking sorrow.

Tears streamed down Rune’s face. "I’m so sorry, Runebelle. I made all the wrong choices. I thought I was protecting you… I thought I was doing what was best. But it led us here. I’m…I’m a failure as a mother!"

Runebelle’s heart shattered at her mother’s words. She could see the immense guilt etched across her mother’s face, and it stung deeply.

Bringing her own hands to the glass, Runebelle mirrored her mother’s posture “No, Mom, you shouldn’t say that….You did everything you could…. None of this is your fault.”

The man overseeing the process spoke while turning to Rune, "Consider yourself lucky you're not dead for breaking the contract. That is only because we need you though. Now, enough of this sentimental nonsense. The process will proceed."

A doctor entered the chamber, wearing a white lab coat and carrying a tablet with various readings and data. The man overseeing the process turned to the doctor and instructed, "Prepare Runebelle for 'abilitization.'"

The doctor nodded and then posed a question, "Shall we also test out Rosebelle for this process at the same time? It could be efficient, killing two birds with one stone."

The man snapped his finger with satisfaction, "Excellent suggestion. Yes, let's proceed with that plan."

Runebelle, who had been listening to their conversation questioned, “Rosebelle?”