Dr. Kintovar listened attentively to Risebelle.
"It was... the Magic Academy's elite squad," Risebelle admitted. "They had their 4 most powerful mages leading them. I couldn't get close to the mana extractors without risking my life, but to be fair, I fought all 4 of them at once.. It seems that once they spot a creation of yours, they will have someone summon the other 3 to surround and eliminate. Funny that they needed all four of them to nearly take me down."
After Risebelle had finished speaking, Dr. Kintovar didn't hesitate. She stepped forward, embracing Risebelle tightly. Risebelle was taken aback, her protests stammered as she tried to resist the affectionate gesture.
" Kintovar, please, there's no need for this nonsense," Risebelle protested, but her cheeks slightly flushed. "I'm perfectly fine, and I don't need to be treated like a child! I-I'm your creation, not your daughter."
Dr. Kintovar held Risebelle at arm's length, looking into her eyes with pride. She spoke with a warm sincerity that only a creator could have for their creation.
"Risebelle," Dr. Kintovar said gently, "you've earned the right to be treated as my own. You've faced incredible challenges and have always exceeded my expectations. You're not just a creation; you're my first creation, my eldest, and you've carried your responsibilities with grace. I'm proud of you, and I want you to know that."
Risebelle's protests softened, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and gratitude for her creator.
"Thank you, Kintovar. I... I appreciate your concern, and I'll do my best on the next mission. Just... don't make a habit of embarrassing me like this, got it?"
Dr. Kintovar nodded with a knowing smile. "You always have been the serious one, Risebelle. But that's what makes you so reliable."
With that, Dr. Kintovar gestured for Risebelle to follow her, leading her to the rejuvenation tank on the second floor. It was a familiar routine for Risebelle, a necessary part of their preparations for their next mission.
As Risebelle stepped into the rejuvenation tank, Dr. Kintovar watched over her with a sense of maternal concern. She knew that their missions were not without risks, and she couldn't help but worry for the creations she had grown to care for deeply.
"Rest well, Risebelle," Dr. Kintovar said softly as the rejuvenation process began. "You've earned it."
With that Risebelle closed her eyes, ready to rejuvenate and prepare for the challenges that awaited them on their next mission.
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The night had passed, and the new day dawned on the laboratory. Risebelle, Roselle, and Runebelle stood in formation. Dr. Kintovar, perched atop a special platform, prepared to address her creations.
"Attention, everyone," Dr. Kintovar began, "I have two significant announcements to make today."
Risebelle, Roselle, and Runebelle stood at attention.
"First," Dr. Kintovar continued, "I'm pleased to inform Roselle and Runebelle that their new outfits are ready. They have been meticulously designed to enhance your abilities and provide the necessary protection during missions."
With a wave of her hand, she revealed outfits. An assistant robot handed each creation their respective attire.
"Roselle, Runebelle, please accept your new outfits," Dr. Kintovar instructed.
As Roselle and Runebelle received their new outfits, their eyes filled with excitement and curiosity. They carefully examined the garments, running their fingers over the intricate details and the magical gems embedded in the fabric.
Roselle now had on an orange mage-type outfit with a matching hat adorned with yellow gems felt like a perfect fit. She marveled at the craftsmanship and the way it seamlessly incorporated her lightning affinity, which was represented by the yellow gem on her hat and skirt.
Runebelle, in her green and pink nurse-inspired outfit with its pink gems, felt a sense of comfort and belonging. It was as if the outfit had been designed especially for her, taking into consideration her unique green energy affinity.
Roselle spins around to Runebelle with an expectant smile, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "What do you think, Runebelle? Do you like your new outfit?"
Runebelle remained sad, but she managed a small, genuine smile while looking down at her green and pink nurse-inspired attire. "I do like it, Roselle," Runebelle replied softly. "It's... it’s very pretty, and it feels ‘right’, somehow…"
Roselle's smile widened with satisfaction.
"Now, for the second matter, it's a grave concern. As you may have already heard, the mystical forest's mana is being rapidly drained. My estimations suggest that the Academy of Magic has drained approximately 45% of the forest's mana by now. The Mana extractors they have scattered over the forest poses a significant threat to my plans and our existence. The academy's actions are going to leave the island drained of it's magic properties, and we cannot allow it to continue."
Risebelle, Roselle, and Runebelle listened intently to Dr. Kintovar's grave announcement. The threat to the mystical forest's mana was a matter of utmost concern, and they understood the implications of such a loss.
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Risebelle, as the eldest and most experienced among them, spoke first. "Kintovar, we cannot allow the Academy of Magic to drain the forest's mana any further. We must take action. Say the word, and we will eliminate them."
Dr. Kintovar nodded in agreement with Risebelle's assessment. "You are correct, Risebelle. We cannot afford to let the Academy of Magic continue their unchecked exploitation of the forest's mana. We must take a decisive action to protect our interests and ensure our own survival.”
Turning her attention to Roselle and Runebelle, Dr. Kintovar continued, "This mission will require the expertise and unique abilities of all three of you. Risebelle, as the eldest and most experienced, you will lead the operation. Roselle, your lightning abilities will prove invaluable in dealing with any magical defenses the Academy may have. And Runebelle, your unique affinity for Natural energy will give us an advantage in our approach."
Roselle and Runebelle nodded in agreement.
Dr. Kintovar took out her own Mana Extractor, a device designed to siphon the mystical energy from the surrounding environment. It was a shiny piece of technology, adorned with gem-like structures that shimmered with magical energy.
"This is the key to our mission's success. With the energy we collect from the Academy of Magic and the forest itself, we will have the power to create a bridge that will extend over a thousand miles, allowing us to cross the ocean and access the city."
Risebelle, Roselle, and Runebelle watched in awe as the Mana Extractor worked its magic, collecting the vital energy they would need for their mission. The prospect of accessing the city and confronting the Academy of Magic was one that made them feel strangely resolute in their desire to do both things.
"Once we have collected enough energy," Dr. Kintovar continued, "we will proceed with our mission. Risebelle, you will lead the way, and Roselle and Runebelle will provide support. We must be prepared for any challenges we may face, and we must succeed at all costs."
Dr. Kintovar considered Risebelle's concern carefully before presenting a plan. "Risebelle, I appreciate your willingness to confront any challenge, but if it comes to facing the headmaster directly, I have a plan. We will use a code phrase: 'Lip Glaze.' If any of you come face to face with the headmaster or feel their presence, yell this phrase immediately."
Risebelle, Roselle, and Runebelle exchanged puzzled glances at the seemingly absurd phrase. Risebell in particular leaned in with a face that said: ‘are you kidding me?’
Dr. Kintovar continued, her tone resolute. "Trust me on this. ’Lip Glaze' will be our signal. If it's spoken, it means that I will intervene personally. I have a way to confront the headmaster, even if it seems unlikely."
The three of them remained silent, doubt lingering in their mind, but they trusted in Dr. Kintovar's judgment. Roselle and Risebelle knew that the headmaster of the Academy of Magic was a formidable opponent, and they would need every advantage they could get.
"I'll join you shortly. Trust in your abilities, and remember the plan. Now, off you go."
With those parting words, Dr. Kintovar turned her attention back to her preparations, leaving Risebelle, Roselle, and Runebelle to step outside into the mystical forest.
The moment their feet touched the forest floor, they noticed a profound change in their surroundings. The once vibrant forest had taken on a darker and more ominous hue. The trees loomed taller, their branches casting long shadows that seemed to dance ominously within the now darkened forest. The air was heavy with an eerie silence that was broken only by the faint rustling of leaves and the distant murmurs of the wind.
Roselle," Risebelle began. "this is not how the mystical forest normally should look or feel…Something is very wrong here."
Runebelle, who was experiencing the mystical forest for the first time, couldn't help but shudder at the unsettling atmosphere. "Is this what the mana extractors have done to the forest?" she asked sadly
Risebelle nods "The forest's mana is truly being drained at an alarming rate. We must hurry and find those mana extractors before it's too late."
While venturing deeper into the forest, the extent of the devastation became apparent. The once-lush undergrowth was withered and lifeless, the vibrant colors of flowers and foliage now reduced to shades of grey and brown. The wildlife, once abundant and full of energy, now moved sluggishly through the shadows.
A faint rustle caught Roselle's attention, and she turned to see a small bunny emerge from the underbrush. Its fur, which should have been a healthy, vibrant hue, was now a dull and lifeless grey. The bunny's eyes, once bright and curious, were now dull and glazed over, as if the very essence of life had been drained from it. It moved but struggled to keep its balance.
Roselle felt a pang of sadness come on her and raised one hand to her chest. "Even the animals are suffering," she whispered. "Poor thing. If only we could help you..."
Risebelle shook her head. " If we can find and destroy those mana extractors, we can start to reverse the damage. The forest and its inhabitants might have a chance to recover."
The three sisters moved on. They moved, hidden in the dense foliage of the mystical forest. They soon came across a clearing with many mages. They watched the regular mages of the Academy place down a mana extractor. Risebelle's eyes narrowed.
"Maintain cover," Risebelle whispered. "When I give the signal, Roselle, take out one of the mana extractors. It should create chaos and distract them long enough for us to engage." Roselle gripped her trusty cannon-like weapon, her lightning energy crackling with anticipation around her body.
Risebelle carefully gauged the situation, waiting for the right moment. When the opportunity presented itself, she raised her hand, fingers forming a signal that only her sisters could understand. It was time.
Roselle's lightning shot pierced the air with a thunderous crack, striking the mana extractor infront of them with pinpoint accuracy. The extractor exploded in a burst of magical energy, sending shockwaves through the ranks of the academy's mages.
Chaos erupted as the mages scrambled to respond to the unexpected attack. Risebelle, Roselle, and Runebelle seized the moment, emerging from their cover and charging into the fray.
The silencer mode of Risebelle's cannon proved to be a deadly asset as it dispatched the academy mages guarding the now-destroyed mana extractor with ruthless efficiency. The element of surprise and the lack of warning allowed her to eliminate the threats swiftly and without any survivors.
However, when the echoes of the silenced shots faded, the forest remained eerily quiet. Risebelle turned to her sisters. "We need to move fast. They'll be coming, and we have to find the remaining mana extractors. Roselle, keep your cannon ready. Runebelle, stay close, and remember to use your abilities strategically. Let's go."
Meanwhile a report of the situation was delivered to someone from the Magic Academy who sat gracefully upon a crafted ice chair within the heart of the mystical forest. Her pale blue hair cascaded around her shoulders, and her frosty blue and silver robes billowed gently in the forest's ethereal breeze. She exuded an air of elegance and aloofness that befitted her station.
As she rested, a female messenger, with a respectful demeanor, approached Aliana with a report
"Princess Aliana," the messenger began, offering a polite bow, "I bring you important news. One of the Seven Mana Extractors has been destroyed."
Aliana's lips curled into a deceptive smile, her icy blue eyes glinting with intrigue.
"Ahhhh? Intriguing." Aliana replied with a serene tone "Do go on, my dear. Tell me ‘everything’ about it."