Project Mage

Three days before her father's execution, Kintovar presented Vartan with a set of schematics spread out on their makeshift workbench. The diagrams depicted intricate designs for what seemed like artificial humans, a fusion of technology and magic.

Vartan, with his weary but still brilliant eyes, studied the schematics intently. The designs bore a resemblance to his own work on robotic machines, but there was something different about them, something that touched upon a deeper connection between science and the human spirit.

He looked up at Kintovar with curiosity and concern. "Is this what you want to create, my dear? Artificial humans?"

Kintovar hesitated for a moment, her thoughts racing. She knew that her father had always been passionate about the potential of technology, but she also understood the risks and moral dilemmas involved in creating artificial life. The schematics represented a convergence of her own vision.

With a fired up look in her eyes, Kintovar nodded. "Yes, Father. I believe in the power of technology to change our world, to change the standards of this Academy and to give us a fighting chance. These artificial humans can be more than just machines; they can be our allies, our protectors. They can help us escape from this place."

Vartan looked concerned as he delved into Kintovar's ambitious project. His weary eyes showcased the struggle they endured and the impending execution hung over them like a dark cloud.

He leaned closer to the schematics, examining the designs with a critical eye. “Replicating magical energy is no small feat," he remarked with caution and curiosity. "Even for someone of your technical capabilities, that’s not something you can easily do in the slightest. That’s going to be the most intense level of difficulty. And acquiring a soul... Hahaha! That’s a realm of technical prowess that few dare to explore. You truly do have some impressive ideas!"

Kintovar nodded, acknowledging the immense complexities involved.

"I know it won't be easy, Father, but I've been studying both technology and magic and I believe there's a way to bridge the gap between them. If we can harness the essence of that and infuse it into these artificial beings, they could possess the power we need to escape."

Vartan remained silent for a moment, lost in thought. Then he looked down towards Kintovar. “Haha! You've always had a unique way of seeing the world! If anyone can make this vision come to life, it's going to be you. Just one thing. Don’t work on this alone. Show this to your partner. You two will work on this together.”

Kintovar met with her partner in their dimly lit corner of the makeshift living space they shared. The room was filled with the remnants of their previous creations, a testament to their shared dreams and struggles.

Her Partner had bubblegum-colored hair framing her face and wore a worn-out pink dress. She was Kintovar's closest companion in this bleak world of the Magical Academy, and her attachment to Kintovar was evident in the way she clung to her whenever they had a moment together.

Kintovar spreaded out the schematics on the makeshift workbench. The girl watched with eager curiosity, her eyes filled with a childlike wonder despite their dire circumstances.

"Kintovar, what's this?" She asked with a big smile coming towards her face.

Kintovar smiled gently at her partner,

"This, Haras," Kintovar began while carrying a sense of purpose in her tone, "is a way for us to fight back, to challenge the norms of this Academy. These schematics depict the creation of artificial humans—beings that blend technology and magic. They could be our allies, our protectors, and the key to our escape."

Haras listened intently, her eyes widening with amazement while grasping the significance of Kintovar's vision.

"Creating them won't be easy," Kintovar continued, "but I believe that together, with your help and your unique abilities, we can make it happen. We'll need to find a way to infuse them with the essence and give them the power to challenge the mages who rule over us."

Haras nodded, her trust in Kintovar unwavering. She reached out and hugged Kintovar tightly.

"Yes. Yes,yess!!!! You are a genius, and so am I! With both of our minds, we’ll carry this world on our back with our technology launching off to face even the evil sun itself!”Haras whispered with excitement letting her voice get louder on each word.

“Sheesh keep it down, Haras. You don’t want to alert everyone on the plan.”

Haras then lowered her eyes. "We'll change our fate, and no one will ever tear us apart."

1 day later..

Kintovar stood in their dimly lit living space, surrounded by the schematics and the faint remnants of their all-nighter's progress. She watched as Haras slept soundly on a makeshift bed. Her bubblegum-colored hair cascaded around her, and even in her slumber, she muttered words of encouragement and amazement in her high-pitched tone.

"Kintovar, that's fantastic..."

Kintovar couldn't help but smile at her partner's enthusiasm, knowing that their ambitious project had taken significant strides forward during the long night they had spent working together. She gently covered Haras with a tattered blanket, ensuring her partner's comfort before leaving her side.

However, the peace of the moment was shattered when a high-ranking mage entered their living space. The mage's authoritative presence sent a jolt of anxiety through Kintovar.

“Prisoners, line up! I have an announcement to make.”

Everyone followed the orders. Kintovar joined the prisoners, her heart pounded with fear. What could have prompted such an abrupt announcement?

A high mage stood before the assembly.

"There has been a mix-up," he declared, his words sending shockwaves through the crowd. "A grievous error on our part. The individual who was scheduled for execution in two days is not Vartan, but Varta."

Kintovar's heart seemed to stop for a moment with the news now sinking in as if she was stabbed in the chest. It’s her on execution?

Vartan, Kintovar's father, was quick to raise objections as anger surged within him.

"This is outrageous!" Vartan spoke with a thunderous fury. His orange hair seeming to flare with intensity. "You dare to play with our lives like this? It's an affront to all sense of justice and decency! Everything on this acursed island is backwards, and this error is just another example of your incompetence!"

The other prisoners, who had gathered to hear the announcement, murmured their agreement with Vartan's words.

The high mage attempted to regain control of the situation. His face shifted from stern authority to a more calculating demeanor as he considered the implications of the error.

"If any of you have complaints or concerns about this little mistake, I suggest you take them up with the headmaster herself. She will be appearing shortly to address the matter."

The prisoners exchanged worried glances, their fear mingled with a sense of powerlessness. The thought of facing the headmaster, the ultimate authority within the Magical Academy, was a daunting prospect.

Shortly after, as if summoned by the high mage's words, the headmaster herself appeared in their dimly lit living space. Her presence was commanding, her aura exuding an air of unwavering authority.

“Did I hear you say ‘Complaints’?" she remarked with a cold, dismissive tone. "What use are ‘complaints’ from those without magic? You were all brought here because you lack the very essence that defines the Magical Academy. You are anomalies, aberrations, and as such, you serve no purpose within our ranks. You were bound to be eliminated sooner or later. One by one, you will be executed. Someone without it is nothing but a burden to this institution."

“NO! That's Enough!" Kintovar shouted cutting through the oppressive atmosphere of the room.

"You speak of magic as if it's the only measure of a person's worth," Kintovar continued. "But there is more to us than the magic we possess or lack. We are not anomalies or burdens; we are individuals with dreams, hopes, and the potential to defy the norms you impose. That’s why you want to eliminate us, isn’t it?!"

The headmaster regarded Kintovar with a cold, calculating gaze, seemingly unfazed by her defiance. "You may have dreams, but those dreams are irrelevant in the face of our standards aren’t they? Magic is the very essence of our society and those without it have no place within our ranks."

Kintovar's father watched the confrontation between his daughter and the headmaster with a hand up to his chin and his mouth slightly opened. He knew the risks of standing up to the headmaster but he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at Kintovar's courage.

Kintovar retorted, "Our worth should not be determined solely by our abilities. We have talents, skills, and potential that extend beyond your narrow definition. We can contribute to society in our own way, with or without magic."

The headmaster remained unyielding, but there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "You are a bold one, ‘Varta’. But boldness alone will not change your fate. You can voice your objections, but it won't alter the reality of your situation."

The headmaster began to walk away. Kintovar couldn't bear to let her have the final word. Her anger burned and she took a step forward.

“Oh yeah? Well guess what?! I have something to say about your a—“

But before she could chase after the headmaster, her father Vartan grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Varta, it's not worth it," Vartan whispered urgently. "Challenging the headmaster like this... it puts you at great risk."

Kintovar's gaze wavered between her father and the retreating figure of the headmaster. Her heart ached with frustration and the burning desire to stand up for what she believed in. Yet, she knew that her father's words held wisdom.

In the small and dim living space they called home, Kintovar whispered to her father.

"One day, Father. One day that woman will pay for her cruelty. I won't accept this fate. We won’t accept this fate. Don’t you feel the same way? This is ridiculous! These people clearly think they can control us and discard us easily, but i’ll find a way to escape my execution and I'll defy the norms of this Academy! “

"I will stand by your side, Varta," Vartan declared, "No one will take you away from me. We'll find a way to escape this place, and together, we'll challenge the norms of this Academy."

On the day of the execution, Kintovar stood in the chamber. Her heart pounded with fear and confusion. She could barely remember the events that led up to the day of her execution.

‘What... what happened? I can't piece it all together. Why did Father go against everything we planned?’

‘Stay calm, Kintovar. We need to focus and try to make sense of what happened. We know we were working on a project, something important. And Haras... she was with us, right?’

‘Yes, she was. But then... I can't remember. It's all so jumbled. Did we get caught? Did Father betray us?’

‘It's possible, but we can't jump to conclusions. We need to remember as much as we can. Try to piece it together, step by step.’

Kintovar closed her eyes, trying to summon the memories that felt like distant echoes in her mind. She could recall the schematics, the late-night discussions, and her drive to challenge the norms of the Academy. But beyond that, there was a fog of uncertainty.

‘We were working on the project... artificial humans. Father approved, and we involved Haras. We finished the base models, and hid them well, but then... something went wrong. Father... he confronted the headmaster. He... he challenged her…buy why…’

Kintovar felt a cold, creeping dread settle in her chest. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and the reason for her fragmented memories became painfully clear.

'Now it makes sense…I'm dying... that's why my memories are slipping away. It's not just the fear or confusion; it's the end drawing near.'

The revelation pressed down upon her like a suffocating shroud. She knew she had only a limited amount of time left and the memories slipped away like grains of sand through an hourglass.

'My mind…I can’t think straight. What do I do now?'