Project Mage

Runebelle stepped back with a sense of dread washing over her. The yellow-haired girl cracked her knuckles menacingly and Runebelle realized that these girls were not here to talk or resolve anything peacefully. It was clear that they intended to harm her.

Her heart raced as she frantically looked for an escape route, her mind racing to figure out how she could get away from these girls who were ready to tear her limb from limb.

With her quick and nimble footwork, Runebelle managed to outrun the girls who had been chasing her. She sprinted all the way home and the moment she rounded the corner toward her house she nearly collided with Ms. Lorraine who was busy tending to her garden.

Ms. Lorraine looked up in surprise as Runebelle rushed toward her, clearly distraught and out of breath. She quickly set down her watering can and rushed to Runebelle's side, concern etched across her face. "Runebelle, what happened? Are you okay?"

Runebelle trembled while she spoke, "It's... Milaca."

Ms. Lorraine's face was filled with remorse. She gently placed a hand on Runebelle's shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Runebelle. I had hoped to give you a peaceful and stable home but it seems my past actions have caught up with us. I am afraid you will have to move back to your home."

Runebelle's eyes welled up with tears while trying to make sense of Ms. Lorraine's words. "But... I thought I finally had a place to belong, a real family..."

Ms. Lorraine was filled with regret, "I wanted that for you, Runebelle. Unfortunately it seems your mother had other plans. She must have found a way to have her legal guardianship reinstated."

Runebelle's heart sank once reality settled in. She had come to see Ms. Lorraine as a true mother figure and now she was being torn away from the stability and happiness she had found. "What do we do now?" Runebelle asked while trembling.

Ms. Lorraine sighed and said, "There will be a legal meeting next week to on this matter. Until then, I'm afraid you'll have to go back home, at least temporarily. I'll do everything I can to ensure you're safe and well-cared for during this time."

Runebelle nodded with tears streaming down her face. She then left the house.

As Runebelle walked back home, her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and doubt. She couldn't shake the feeling that something about Ms. Lorraine's explanation didn't add up. She needed answers and the only one who might have them was the System.

Runebelle took a deep breath and turned her thoughts inward, addressing the System in her mind. "Something doesn't feel right about all of this, System. Ms. Lorraine's explanation... it just seems too convenient. Do you think she might be hiding something from me?"

The System responded with a calm and reassuring tone, "Project Rune, it's always important to trust your instincts. Doubt can be a powerful tool for uncovering the truth. You may be on the right track in questioning the circumstances surrounding your legal guardianship. Remember, your memories are still being pieced together and there may be more to this story than meets the eye. Unfortunately, this is where this particular memory ends. We'll have to wait for further fragments to shed light on the situation."

Runebelle nodded to herself. She knew she couldn't rest until she had the answers she sought.

The System's cheerful announcement filled Runebelle's mind, bringing a sense of accomplishment and progress. "Project Rune Data collection increased to 55%," it declared proudly.

Runebelle felt a surge of pride at the progress she was making and the System's words spurred her to reflect on her own emotions. It asked a profound question, one that cut to the core of her being: "Do you feel more alive than you did before? Can you take the sadness you've felt and use it as energy without falling against your enemies? Your sadness could be the key to your transformation."

These words resonated deeply with Runebelle. Her journey was not just about gathering data or acquiring new abilities; it was about understanding herself, her emotions, and harnessing them as sources of strength.

Runebelle replied to the System, "Yes, I believe I can use my sadness as a source of strength. “

The System responded “Good! Now, to use your Project Rune Transformation effectively, you must take your strongest emotion and channel it into your thoughts, turning them into power. Your emotions are the key to unlocking your true potential."

It continued, "Normally, Project Rune has a magical limitation of 200% but when you combine your strongest emotion with your magical abilities, you can increase that limit to an astonishing 400%. This surge in power can give you an incredible advantage in battles and challenges."

The System also clarified, "It's essential to note that attempting this transformation without reaching at least 50% of your Data collection would result in a dangerous Magic Rupture. However, you were created with the inherent capacity to handle this, as you already possess the required 50%."

Runebelle recalled the memory of her older sister Risebelle's battle against The Sword God Aliana. Her will to overcome her adversary was evident but the end result of her actions were concerning.

The System, always attuned to Runebelle's thoughts and emotions, gently reminded her, "Risebelle's dedication to her goals is admirable but it's crucial to remember that straining one's mana reserves to the point of going into the negatives can be extremely dangerous. It's a risky tactic that can have long-term consequences."

Runebelle's thoughts turned to her older sisters, Risebelle and Roselle. "Risebelle, she's always been the one who looks out for our survival. Even in the toughest situations, she finds a way to protect us. And Roselle, she's so kind and always tries to make me a little happier, even in the darkest moments. They've always been there for me."

She paused for a moment, collecting her thought. "But now, it's my turn to be there for them. They're trapped and I’ve decided I won't let them suffer any longer. I'll find a way to save them, no matter what it takes."

The System acknowledged her saying, "Your commitment to your sisters is commendable, Runebelle. With the power of your Project Rune Transformation and your strong emotions, you have the potential to make a difference. Just remember to use your new abilities wisely and be cautious of the risks. We'll work together to ensure their safety."

As Runebelle found herself once again in the darkness of her confinement, the System's final message echoed in her mind:

"Ability unlocked: Project Rune - Chemical Explosion."

This new power held the promise of change, a potent tool she could use to fulfill her mission and save her sisters. In the darkness, she became resolute in her quest to free Risebelle and Roselle and bring an end to their suffering.

As Runebelle returned to the world, she saw her system status and data flash before her.

[[System Message]]

Status: : Online

LifeForce: 100%

Magic: 200%

Cannon Charge: 100%

Timer: N/A

Location: Mystical Forest

Threat Assessment: 1 Mana Extractor left

Project Rune Data Collection:

55% Complete

Project Rune Transformation Mastery: 0%

Runebelle's system was operating at optimal levels, with her LifeForce and Magic reserves fully charged. Her Cannon Charge was also at maximum, ready for deployment.

The sudden green glow that enveloped Runebelle radiated with an otherworldly energy. It dispersed the suffocating darkness that had ensnared her, pushing it back as if repelled by an invisible force. Arlysa's disbelief was evident in her wide-eyed expression.

"I don't understand this.... where is your magical energy coming from?" Arlysa muttered.

Runebelle, bathed in the pulsating green energy. She acknowledged the deep well of sadness within her. She had carried this sorrow for so long and now it was time to harness it. With what was in her heart, she let the sadness flow through her, intertwining with the newfound power of Project Rune.

The energy swirled around her and Runebelle shouted out with a focused look "Project Rune!"

The transformation began and a surge of magic coursed through her. Her petite form began to change, growing taller and more mature. Her once-childlike appearance shifted into that of a teenager, her youthful features giving way to a new, empowered version of herself.

Her hair, once a mix of blue and pink, transformed into a vibrant shade of green that flowed around her like a cascading waterfall. Her eyes shimmered with the same vivid green and they held a sense of determination that hadn't been there before.

In her new form, Runebelle wielded two small guns, which had once been her smaller cannon. She also brandished a large needle, a weapon that stood out amidst her arsenal. The guns and the needle glowed with the same green energy that now enveloped her.

Runebelle, now known as Project Rune, stood tall and confident, her transformation complete. The aura of sadness that had surrounded her was now a source of incredible power.

Arlysa, her eyes widened with astonishment, muttered to herself in disbelief, "What... What is this power? It's beyond anything I've ever seen!"

Sylra, scratching her head in perplexity, grumbled, "This…ain't what we were briefed on. They didn't mention any of this in the reports."

The sudden display of power from Project Rune left the surrounding mages stunned. They had never witnessed such a transformation and the rapid shots fired by Runebelle's guns took them by surprise. In the blink of an eye, half of the mages were eliminated, their bodies turning to ash from the hot shot of the magical energy.

Runebelle's shots continued at lightning speed. She aimed directly at Sylra. The shots missed their mark but one struck the quicksand which created a burst of energy that disrupted the trap.

Roselle who had been trapped in the quicksand seized the opportunity. With a burst of lightning-infused speed, she propelled herself out of the quicksand, her body crackling with electric energy. She landed on the sandy beach, ready to rejoin the battle.

The remaining mages, still recovering from the shock of Runebelle's transformation, struggled to regroup and respond to this unexpected turn of events. The tide of the battle had shifted.

Runebelle moved with lightning-fast speed. Her guns and needle were in hand while closing in on Arlysa. The Elite Mage of the Magical Academy tried to evade Runebelle's relentless attacks but Runebelle’s movements were different and unlike what she had seen before.

Runebelle brought the needle dangerously close to Arlysa. The dark mage continued to dodge and weave doing her best to avoid the impending strike but Runebelle had a surprise in store.

In the midst of her lightning-fast assault, Runebelle suddenly drew one of her guns, aiming it directly at Arlysa. Before the dark mage could react, a shot rang out, striking her with pinpoint accuracy.

The impact of the shot disrupted Arlysa's concentration and her dark magic, causing her grip on Risebelle's dark tendril to falter. Risebelle felt the oppressive darkness release its hold on her. She gasped for breath while breaking free.

Risebelle stared at Runebelle in sheer astonishment. The transformation and the display of power were beyond anything she could have imagined. She stared onwards in total disbelief.

"What... What is this, Runebelle?" Risebelle asked, her eyes wide with amazement. She couldn't comprehend the sudden surge of power she had witnessed.

In her urgency to understand, Risebelle checked Runebelle's magic levels. She couldn't contain her shock and she shouted highly with disbelief, "400%?!" The implications of Runebelle's newfound strength left her speechless.

Risebelle felt nervous. Runebelle's newfound power was indeed a remarkable advantage; however, Risebelle didn’t know if they was a result of Runebelle straining herself. She had seen Roselle push her magic to 300% in the past, but Runebelle was doing something completely different. What was this? Runebelle was now at a whopping 400%! It was clear that their abilities had grown beyond what they had initially understood.

With a nervous grin, Risebelle addressed her sisters, "Well, it looks like we've all been hiding some surprises, huh? This power is incredible!”