Project Mage

In the midst of Runebelle's despair she heard the contrasting voice of the System continued to cheerfully resonate within her mind. It was as if a ray of light had pierced through the darkness that surrounded her.

"Project Rune, Project Project Rune” it sang.

Runebelle, still shrouded in confusion, whispered, "Who... who are you?"

The System's was consistently upbeat as it replied, "I am your System, your companion on this journey, Project Rune."

Runebelle struggled to grasp the meaning behind these words. "System? What do you mean?"

The System, as if bursting with excitement, exclaimed, "Project Rune, I am here to assist you in unlocking your true potential! We've collected 50% of your data, which means it's time to activate Project Rune transformation without System destruction! It's a power that lies within you, waiting to be unleashed!"

Runebelle, her curiosity momentarily overriding her sadness, asked, "Project...Rune...transformation? What is that, and how do I activate it?"

The System, with its cheerful demeanor, seemed momentarily forgetful of Runebelle's current emotional state. It replied, "Oh, Project Rune, you see, it's a remarkable power that can change the course of your destiny! But, um, I must admit, I've forgotten a few details. It's been so long since we've been able to talk."

Runebelle responded, "Wait a minute. You say it's been a while since we've talked but we've never talked before. Who are you really, and what is this ‘Project Rune transformation’?"

The System's cheerful tone wavered slightly, as if it had just remembered something important.

"Oh, right! My apologies, Project Rune. It seems I got a bit carried away. You see, the Project Rune transformation is a key to unlocking your true potential, a power hidden within you. But, well, I can't just tell you everything all at once…Let me show you something that might help you understand."

With a burst of enthusiasm, the System projected a fragmented memory into Runebelle's consciousness. It was a scene from her past, a moment she thought she knew well, but a peculiar sensation hinted that there might be more to the story than she realized.

Encouraged by the System, Runebelle tentatively observed the memory. It revealed a time in the past, a moment when her friendship with Milaca was still intact. The scene played out, and Runebelle found herself witnessing a happier time, a moment of shared laughter and camaraderie.

However, as the memory unfolded, Runebelle's heart began to ache. She recognized it in being the past, a time before their friendship had shattered. Unable to bear the resol of the memories, she looked away and whispered, "It's too sad..."

The System, still maintaining its cheerful demeanor, offered a gentle reminder, "Remember, Project Rune, this is just 50% of your story. There's another 50% you don't know about. Before you make any judgments, see the full picture."

Runebelle hesitated, but then she felt a gentle nudge from the System. The cheerful presence within her mind seemingly made an effort to lift her spirits. “Come on, Project Rune! You've got this! Just a little peek, and you might discover something amazing!"

Runebelle, swayed by the System's optimism, took a deep breath and turned her gaze back to the memory. She watched the scene unfold revealing more moments from her past with Milaca. Laughter, shared secrets, and a sense of belonging filled the memories.

As Runebelle watched, she couldn't deny the warmth that these recollections brought to her heart, even though they were tinged with bittersweet nostalgia.

The System, sensing Runebelle's changing mood cheered on. "That's it, Project Rune! Keep watching! You're about to uncover the missing pieces of your story!"

As Runebelle continued to delve into the fragmented memory, she found herself transported back in time, a year before her mother's departure. She now stood in her teenage years, a period when the world still seemed to shun her unique appearance. People's avoidance had become a constant presence in her life.

In this particular memory, Runebelle found herself outside the door of her home. The voices from within reached her ears, and she recognized one of them as her mother's. Coincidentally, the others belonged to someone known as Ms. Lorraine.

Runebelle's curiosity got the best of her and she couldn't resist the urge to listen. She stealthily crept closer, positioning herself in a hidden corner where she could eavesdrop on the conversation between her mother and Ms. Lorraine.

From her concealed vantage point, Runebelle strained to hear the words exchanged between the two women, her heart heavy with anticipation and a hint of anxiety

Runebelle huddled in her hidden corner listening intently as her mother entered the room, accompanied by the soft-spoken tones of Ms. Lorraine.

"I just don't know what to do anymore, Lorraine," Runebelle's mother, Rune, sighed heavily. "Runebelle's grades are suffering because of the way people treat her at school. I can't bear to see her so unhappy."

Ms. Lorraine compassionately replied, "I understand, Rune. It's not easy when our children face difficulties. You know, my daughter, Milaca, she's been having a hard time too, but she's in a different school."

Runebelle's ears perked up at the mention of her mother's friend having a daughter named Milaca

Rune continued, "I just wish Runebelle could have a friend who understands her, someone who accepts her for who she is. But it seems like everyone avoids her because of her... unique appearance."

Ms. Lorraine offered a sympathetic response, "It's a difficult situation, Rune. Sometimes, it takes just one person to make a difference in our children's lives. Maybe one day, Runebelle will find that friend who sees her for the wonderful person she is."

Runebelle, hidden away, listened to the conversation with mixed emotions. She now had a glimpse into her mother's concern and her desire for Runebelle to find acceptance and happiness. The mention of Milaca added an intriguing layer of complexity to her understanding of their past.

Overwhelmed by the emotions that had surged within her, Runebelle felt a strong desire to embrace her mother again, to let her know that she had heard her heartfelt concerns. She trembled with the urge to move from her hidden corner, to step into the room and seek solace in her mother's comforting arms.

However, just as she was about to make her presence known, the System intervened. "Wait, Project Rune," it whispered within her mind. "There's more to this conversation, more to understand. If you interrupt it now with your own desires, you may never uncover the complete truth."

Runebelle hesitated being now torn between her longing to comfort her mother and her growing curiosity about the conversation between Rune and Ms. Lorraine. With a deep breath, she chose to remain hidden and continued to listen.

As Runebelle continued to listen, her mother, Rune, spoke once more. "Lorraine, there's something I need to ask of you, and I hope you'll understand. I apologize for even bringing this up."

Ms. Lorraine, her tone attentive, replied, "Of course, Rune. You can always count on me. What's on your mind?"

Rune took a deep breath before speaking as if steeling herself for what she was about to say. "Lorraine, it's about my job. They gave me a one-year notice. In one year, I'll lose my job, and I don't know how I'll manage everything."

Ms. Lorraine, her eyebrows furrowing, responded, "A one-year notice? That sounds very sketchy, Rune. Are they trying to push you out?"

Rune sighed with worry. "I don't know, Lorraine. But the thing is, it's Gemine's company. He's the owner, and I've been working there for so long. I just… I don't know if I can handle this on my own, especially with Runebelle..."

Ms. Lorraine's expression shifted from concern to a hint of anger, born out of her deep care for her friend. "Rune, you can't be serious about this! You're not alone, and you won't have to abandon Runebelle."

Rune trembled. "I know, Lorraine, but Gemine's already gone. After the divorce, it's just Runebelle and me. I need to be sure she's taken care of, no matter what happens."

As Runebelle continued to eavesdrop on the conversation between her mother and Ms. Lorraine, a sudden realization washed over her. She remembered that in the past, she had run out of the room before she could hear the entirety of this conversation as opposed to now. It almost seemed like her memories were slowly piecing together the missing fragments of her past.

Runebelle was transported to the following day in her past, she found herself once again in the familiar surroundings of her school. The day unfolded much like any other, with her classmates going about their business while she remained isolated in her solitude.

At lunchtime, Runebelle sat alone on a bench outside, as she often did. Her sadness seemed to be a constant companion, one she had grown accustomed to. She stared down at her untouched lunch, lost in her thoughts and feelings of isolation.

However, on this particular day, something unexpected happened. A girl with yellow hair tied in a bun approached Runebelle on the bench. The girl wore a friendly smile on her face and had a pleasant flower-like scent, "Hi, I'm Sarah. What's your name?"

Runebelle, still enveloped in her sadness, remained silent, her eyes downcast while listening to Sarah's friendly greeting. She didn't offer a response being unsure of how to react to this unexpected interaction.

Undeterred by Runebelle's initial silence, Sarah continued her efforts to reach out to the girl sitting on the bench. With her vibrant appearance and warm demeanor, she wanted nothing more than to break through the walls of sadness that seemed to surround Runebelle.

Sarah sat down next to Runebelle and continued to speak in a gentle and reassuring tone. "You know, this bench is kind of our secret spot. I come here to escape the craziness of school sometimes. It's nice to have a peaceful place to think."

As Sarah made an effort to connect with Runebelle, her words were kind and understanding, as if she could sense the girl's inner turmoil. Runebelle looked up momentarily, but Sarah continued, "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Sometimes, it's nice just to have someone to sit with."

However, their moment of connection was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a group of teenage girls, each of them displaying bratty attitudes. They approached Sarah and began to speak with a tone of gossip and judgment.

"Sarah, what the heck are you doing here with her, girl?" one of the girls asked,

Another girl chimed in, "Yeah, she's the weird one with the multicolored hair, right? Everyone avoids her."

Sarah, surprised by their hostility, tried to defend her choice to sit with Runebelle. "I'm just talking to her, okay? She's not that weird, you know."

But the group of girls was persistent, and they began to pull Sarah away from Runebelle, their influence stronger than her desire to connect with the girl who had been sitting alone in her sadness.

"I never saw her again” Runebelle thought to herself.

However, the System, always eager to provide a more complete perspective, chimed in, "That's not entirely true, Project Rune. I can take you back to that moment if you'd like, but there's something else here to see, something that might shed light on your story."

"Follow the girls," the System urged Runebelle, its cheerful tone emphasizing the importance of this decision

Runebelle, fueled by a newfound desire to understand her past, rose from the bench and quietly followed the girls at a distance. She kept her emotions in check, ready to uncover the truth that had remained hidden for so long.

Runebelle discreetly followed the group of girls, she watched in astonishment as they threw Sarah in front of another person with yellow hair, who bore a striking resemblance to her sisters, Risebelle and Roselle.

"Sister?" the word echoed in her mind like a distant memory, a possibility she had never dared to entertain. Could this person with yellow hair be connected to her in a way she had never imagined?