Roselle was unconscious in her concealed spot within the mystical forest. Her mind drifted once again into the realm of fragmented memories from her past life. This time, the memories took her to a different moment in time, a scene from her college days.
Roselle found herself standing in the midst of a busy college campus, surrounded by the lively chatter of students. The sun cast a warm, golden glow over the scene, creating an atmosphere of youthful energy and optimism.
She glanced down at herself, realizing she was no longer the Project Mage but instead a young college student. Her attire was casual, and a backpack hung over her shoulder. It was as if she had stepped back in time to a simpler period in her life.
A group of friends gathered nearby, laughing and talking. One of them, a girl with short red hair, noticed Roselle and waved her over. "Hey, Roselle! Come join us!"
Roselle approached her friend with a warm smile. "Sure thing! What's going on?"
Her friend grinned. "We're planning a surprise birthday party for Sarah. You in?"
"Absolutely!" Roselle replied with enthusiasm. "I'll do my part to make it a memorable day for her."
The day at college continued with laughter, conversations, and the joyful anticipation of the surprise birthday party for their friend, Sarah. Roselle and her friends had spent the afternoon decorating the common area of their dormitory, hanging colorful banners and arranging balloons.
However, as the festivities were in full swing, an unexpected turn of events occurred. The college principal, a stern-looking woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, appeared at the scene. She approached Roselle and her friends.
"Roselle, may I speak with you privately in my office?" the principal requested, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Confused, Roselle followed the principal to her office. Her friends exchanged worried glances as they watched her leave.
Inside the office, the principal gestured for Roselle to take a seat. She settled behind her desk and fixed Roselle with a stern gaze. "Roselle, I'm disappointed to have to address this issue with you."
Roselle's heart sank. She had always been a diligent and responsible student, and being called to the principal's office was a rare occurrence for her. "What's the matter, Principal?"
The principal's glare did not waver as she spoke. "Today, Sarah was involved in a serious altercation. She was physically attacked and sustained injuries."
Roselle's eyes widened in shock and concern. Sarah had been her dear friend, and the news of her getting hurt was both surprising and distressing. "What happened? Is she okay?" Roselle asked while trembling.
The principal sighed, her disappointment evident. "Sarah is in the hospital now, receiving medical attention. She's stable, but she's been through a traumatic experience. The incident occurred in the common area, and there were witnesses."
Roselle's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. "Witnesses? Who could have done something like this to her?"
The principal leaned forward slowly, her tone stern but measured. "Roselle, the witnesses have identified you as the one responsible for the attack on Sarah."
The shock that gripped Roselle was overwhelming. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Accusations of attacking her own friend seemed like a nightmare. "T-that's impossible! I would never hurt Sarah! Me and my friends were planning her birthday party together just hours ago! This is a lie! A lie I tell you!"
The principal's gaze remained unyielding. "I understand your denial, Roselle, but there are security camera footage and eyewitness accounts that place you at the scene of the altercation. We will need to investigate this matter thoroughly. Until then, you are suspended from the college pending the outcome of the investigation."
Roselle's world felt like it was crumbling around her. She was not only accused of hurting her friend but was now facing suspension from college, which had been a place of learning and friendships for her.
"Please, Principle! Please don’t do this! I didn't do this, Principal. I promise you, I'm innocent!"
The principal shook her head. "We will conduct a thorough investigation, and the truth will come to light. But for now, you must leave the campus and await further instructions. This is a serious matter, Roselle, and we will not take it lightly."
As Roselle left the principal's office, she felt a sense of despair and confusion. How had things taken such a terrible turn? Her friends had been preparing a birthday surprise for Sarah, and now she was accused of harming her. The weight of the situation bore down on her, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was some sort of misunderstanding or if someone had framed her.
Outside the office, Roselle's friends awaited her return. She met their questioning gazes and could only shake her head, unable to find the words to explain the shocking turn of events.
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With tearful eyes, Roselle ran from the college campus, not knowing where to go or what to do. Her mind was clouded by confusion. She dashed through the familiar streets, her heart racing fear, anger, and sadness.
Finally, she arrived at her home, her breaths heavy and labored. The door swung open, revealing her mother, a woman of unparalleled kindness and love. Her eyes widened with concern as she took in the sight of her distraught daughter.
"Roselle, my dear!" Her mother rushed forward, embracing Roselle tightly. Tears quickly welled up in her own eyes. "What's happened? Why are you in tears?"
Roselle buried her face in her mother’s chest, her sobs shaking her fragile frame. The loving embrace of her mother was like a lifeline in the midst of a raging storm. Between sobs, she managed to utter, "Mom, they... they accused me of hurting Sarah... I didn't do it, Mom, I promise!"
Her mother's arms tightened around her. She rubbed Roselle's back. "Shhhh, my dear, it's going to be alright. I know you would never do anything like that. You're not the type to hurt anyone, let alone your friends."
The tears flowed freely as Roselle clung to her mother. Her mother gently stroked her hair and continued to reassure her.
"You're my sweet, loving daughter, and I believe in you. "The sight of her daughter in such distress brought tears to her mother's eyes as well. She couldn't bear to see Roselle suffering in the least. "Let's sit down, and you can tell me everything dear. We'll figure out how to clear your name together."
Roselle and her mother sat down together, their bond of love and trust providing a comforting anchor in the midst of turmoil. Roselle recounted the events leading up to the accusations . Her mother listened intently to every word.
After Roselle shared her fears and doubts, her mother spoke with unwavering confidence. "I know you, Roselle. I know the kind-hearted person you are, and I believe in your innocence. We'll gather all the evidence we can, and we'll find out the truth."
Her mother's words were a source of strength for Roselle. The belief her mother had in her character and integrity gave her the courage to face the challenges ahead. "Thank you, Mom," Roselle whispered, her tears beginning to subside. "I don't know what I would do ever do without you."
Her mother smiled warmly, her love shining in her eyes. "You'll never be alone, my dear. You have your friends, too. Lean on them for support, and together, you'll overcome this adversity."
The mention of her friends brought a mixture of emotions to Roselle's heart. She thought about the surprise birthday party they had been planning for Sarah, and the accusations,"What if my friends don't believe me, Mom? What if they hate me when they find out?"
Her mother's hand gently cupped Roselle's cheek, and she spoke with unwavering conviction. "True friendship is built on trust and understanding, my dear. If your friends are true friends, they will stand by your side and support you through this difficult time no matter what. Trust in the bonds you've forged, and have faith in their love for you."
Roselle took a deep breath. "I'll do my best, Mom. I'll prove my innocence I won't let this accusation define me."
Her mother's smile was filled with pride and love.
"That's my girl. Remember, you have the strength within you to overcome any obstacle, and you're never alone as long as you have those who care about you."
With a heavy heart, she gently pulled away from her mother's comforting presence. “Mom, I have to go. There's something I really need to do, and I can't delay it any longer!"
Her mother nodded understandingly, her eyes filled with both concern and pride. "Be strong, my dear. Remember that I'm here for you, and your friends are too. Face whatever lies ahead with both courage and conviction."
With the warmth of her mother's support still fresh in her heart, Roselle felt ready. She knew that her path wouldn't be easy, but she had faith in her innocence and the bonds she shared with her friends.
As her memories of that fateful day at college began to fade, Roselle slowly regained consciousness in the hidden spot within the mystical forest. Her eyes fluttered open, and she felt a surge of energy coursing through her, her lifeforce and magic fully restored. The strange vision of unconsciousness had passed, leaving her feeling at maximum power.
Roselle quickly checked her status:
Status: Roselle
Lifeforce: 100%
Magic: 200%
Cannon Charge: 0%
Timer: N/A
Location: Hidden spot within the mystical forest
Threat Assessment: Mana Extractors (5 Left)
Project Mage Data Collection: 10% Complete
Roselle shook her head, slapped her cheeks, then muttered to herself with a wide grin. “Time to get back in the game,"
Roselle heard the unmistakable sound of shots being fired in the distance. The urgency of the situation rushed back to her, and she knew she had to rejoin her sisters in the battle against the mages.
With a burst of energy, Roselle attempted to stand up and rush back into action; however, as she stepped forward, her feet slipped out from under her on the slippery blue energy that her sister, Risebelle, had cunningly set. She let out a surprised yelp and comically tumbled to the forest floor.
Roselle couldn't help but laugh, "Risebelle thinks of everything, even making sure I stay on my toes... or rather, on my backside."
Meanwhile, in the midst of their intense battle, Risebelle and Runebelle found themselves facing the formidable Cryomancer, Aliana. Her sword shimmered with an icy aura as she unleashed a flurry of relentless attacks, each strike imbued with freezing magic.
Risebelle, her eyes sharp and focused, expertly deflected Aliana's sword strikes with her cannon. The clash of metal against ice resonated through the forest as they exchanged blows. Her water-based magic provided a layer of protection, creating a barrier of swirling currents that repelled the freezing cold of Aliana's sword.
Runebelle, her green energy at the ready, utilized her pillars to both support her sister and launch counterattacks. Runebelle sent one of her fiery pillars to clash with Aliana's sword. The flames danced and crackled, forming a barrier of intense heat that opposed the icy blade.
Aliana, with a swift and precise strike, managed to cut the fiery pillar in half. The flames splintered and sputtered, and as the pillar broke, the freezing cold of Aliana's sword began to encase the remnants of the fiery magic. Soon, what remained of the once-fiery pillar was nothing more than a frozen, ice-encrusted structure.
Aliana grinned with a cold demeanor yet her smile never left her face "It seems your fiery pillars were no match for my icy blade. I must say, they did help me warm up a bit."
Risebelle, undeterred by the situation, responded with her eyes slightly lowering "Well, I suppose we can only hope for a scorching sun to come out and melt your icy tricks. We’ll be fine, but I have a feeling you won't be as fortunate when we decide to get serious."
Aliana chuckled in response, her grin never wavering. "Oh, you have quite the sense of humor. But let me show you what a Sword God is truly capable of."