"What is it that you want?" Kintovar questioned. She remained cool and composed.

The other hooded mage spoke up. "We want to make a deal, Dr. Kintovar," she said. "We have information and resources that could be of great benefit to you in your mission. In exchange, we seek your assistance in dismantling the Magic Academy's power structure."

"What kind of information and resources do you possess?" she inquired, her orange hair cascading down her back as she maintained her composed demeanor. "And why would you choose to offer them to me?"

The first hooded mage, the one who had initially spoken, stepped forward, her posture revealing a hint of nervousness. "We've been monitoring the activities of the Magic Academy for some time," she explained. "We've uncovered secrets and vulnerabilities that could prove invaluable to your mission. As for why we're offering our assistance, let's just say we have our reasons."

The second hooded mage nodded in agreement. "We have a common enemy, Dr. Kintovar," she added. "The Magic Academy's oppressive rule affects us all, and we believe that together, we can bring about its downfall."

Dr. Kintovar listened carefully to the hooded mages' words. She took out and twirled a small gun in her hand with practiced ease.

After a moment of silence, she finally spoke.

"You claim to have information and resources that could be of use to me, but trust is a precious commodity, and I don't give it freely."

The first hooded mage, still shrouded in mystery, nodded.

"We get the need for caution, Dr. Kintovar," she replied. "We can provide you with evidence of our claims, and you can decide if our offer is worth considering."

The second hooded mage chimed in."We've also taken steps to ensure that our identities remain hidden. If you choose to decline our offer, we won't pose a threat to your mission. You have my word."

"Very well. Show me this ‘evidence’ of yours. If it proves compelling, we can discuss the terms of our potential collaboration."

The hooded mages nodded in agreement, and the first one reached into her cloak, producing a small device. She handed it to Kintovar, who examined it carefully.

"What you hold is a list of high-ranking members within the Magic Academy," the first hooded mage explained. "It includes their names, positions, and secret dealings. This information could prove invaluable in your efforts to dismantle the academy's power structure."

Kintovar continued to study the device, her mind racing with possibilities. The second hooded mage added, "We've also gathered intelligence on the locations of several Mana Extractors. With this information, you could disable them more efficiently and cripple the academy's resources."

The first hooded mage spoke once more

"Dr. Kintovar, we seek to free the world from the tyranny of the Magic Academy. We believe that your leadership and expertise can make that possible. Will you join us in our fight?"

Dr. Kintovar listened to the hooded mages' proposal with a hint of intrigue. As they laid out their offer and the potential benefits of their collaboration, she found herself considering the possibilities.

"I appreciate your offer and your desire to bring down the Magic Academy," Kintovar began," But my goals are very specific. I intend to steal the Mana that the academy has been gathering for their project—a creation that can fly. It will require all the energy from the Mystical Forest, and I won't let anyone or anything stand in my way."

The first hooded mage nodded. "We respect your objectives, Dr. Kintovar," she said. "And we believe that our information can aid you in achieving them. If you choose to accept our assistance, you won't be alone in your mission."

As she considered their offer, Dr. Kintovar finally spoke calmly.

"Assuming I accept your assistance and succeed in my mission to steal the Mana, what are your plans for the future? What will you do when I leave this island and make my way to the city with the stolen energy? This island will lose all of it's power, and without any power, you won't be able to survive."

"We've considered the consequences of our actions," the first hooded mage replied. "Once the Mana is stolen, we plan to leave this island as well. Our network extends beyond this place, and we have allies who share our goal of dismantling the Magic Academy's power structure."

The hooded mages exchanged a glance. Then the second one stepped forward. "Dr. Kintovar, we ask that you to take us with you to the city," she said, her words filled with conviction. "We may not have the same objectives, but our common enemy is the Magic Academy. With your help, we can continue our fight against them."

The first hooded mage added, her tone equally resolute, "We know the risks and consequences. We are willing to face those challenges alongside you. "

Dr. Kintovar listened to their proposal and their commitment to the cause carefully. As she considered their offer, her mind raced with the potential benefits and risks of collaboration.

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After a moment of contemplation, she finally spoke with a measured tone. "Very well," she began while shifting between the two of them. After a moment, she raised one finger. "I accept your offer of assistance, under one condition."

The hooded mages leaned in with anticipation.

Kintovar continued, her tone firm. "You must agree to a declaration, a statement that acknowledges the importance of technology in this world. I want to hear you say that technology deserves a place in this world and that it deserves to rule."

The hooded mages exchanged a glance, their hoods concealing their faces. The first one spoke after a moment cautiously, "Dr. Kintovar, we understand the significance of your condition, and we're willing to make that declaration for the sake of our common goal. Technology deserves its place alongside magic, and it deserves to rule over the world."

The second hooded mage nodded in agreement, but had some hesitation now placed in her speech "We…may have been born into a world dominated by magic, but we recognize the potential of technology to bring about change. We're ready to embrace it."

Dr. Kintovar raised her small gun "That couldn't have been an easy decision for you," she commented, "But it shows your level of commitment."

The mages exchanged uneasy glances. The first one spoke cautiously, "Dr. Kintovar, there's no need for violence. We're here to negotiate. We're willing to pledge our allegiance to your cause."

Dr. Kintovar leveled her gun at them. "And how do I know I can trust you?" she countered, "Words are cheap, but actions speak volumes."

The second hooded mage stepped forward. " Look! We get it, Dr. Kintovar, but we are sincere in our intentions. We are willing to prove our loyalty to you. Just give us a chance."

Dr. Kintovar Slowly, she lowered her gun.

"You say you're willing to fight for my cause, then you must be willing to die for my cause as well" she mused.

"W-Wait, what," both mages shouted at the same time.

"But actions speak louder than words."

Without warning, Kintovar pulled the trigger....

BANG !

A small, harmless bullet struck each of the hooded mages. Their cloaks absorbed the impact, leaving them unharmed but bewildered.

The first hooded mage blinked in surprise. "What was the purpose of that?"

Dr. Kintovar lowered her gun. "Consider it a test of your faith and commitment. I needed to be certain that you are truly willing to embrace the cause and endure whatever challenges may come."

The second hooded mage nodded."We will respect your wishes, Dr. Kintovar.”

Dr. Kintovar looked at the hooded mages, her orange hair framing her face as she addressed them with a faint smile. "Becky and Sybil," she said, using their names for the first time.

The hooded mages exchanged surprised glances, their faces still concealed by their cloaks. Becky spoke up. "Hey! How do you know our names, Dr. Kintovar?"

Kintovar leaned in slightly. "During my time imprisoned by the Magic Academy," she began, "I wasn't idle. I gathered information and kept tabs on various individuals, including those who might be sympathetic to our cause. Your names came up in my research, and I made sure to remember them."

Sybil shook her head.

"So, you were preparing for this moment even while you were imprisoned," she mused. "That's impressive foresight, Dr. Kintovar."

Dr. Kintovar's smile widened slightly as she replied, "I believe in being prepared for all possibilities. Now, let's move forward. We have much to discuss and plan if we are to succeed in our mission."

As Dr. Kintovar continued her conversation with Becky and Sybil, her mind was abuzz with a sense of satisfaction. ‘Everything is going according to plan. With their help and the resources they provide, nothing will stand in my way. The Magic Academy's reign of power will crumble, and technology will rise.’

Meanwhile, Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle moved swiftly through the Mystic Forest, their senses on high alert as they approached the next target—a Mana Extractor in another forest clearing. The dense foliage and towering trees surrounded them, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.

As they drew closer to the clearing, the sight of the Mana Extractor came into view. It stood tall, its magical energy radiating like a beacon in the forest. This time, they didn't spot any mages guarding it, which gave them a momentary sense of relief.

Roselle noticed the absence of mages guarding the Mana Extractor. She turned to her sisters with a hopeful smile. "It looks like we might have an easier time with this one," she said. "I can take it out from here with my cannon."

However, before she could make a move, Risebelle quickly stepped in, placing a hand on Roselle's shoulder to stop her. She gave a serious shake of her head. "Wait, Roselle," Risebelle cautioned, “Don’t be too hasty. This could be a trap. Let's approach it cautiously and assess the situation first."

"What should we do then?" Roselle asked confused. "Should we scout the area first, or do you have a different plan in mind?"

Risebelle and Runebelle exchanged glances, silently communicating their thoughts. Finally, Risebelle spoke up.

"I think we should approach the Mana Extractor cautiously, keeping an eye out for any signs of a trap or hidden guards," Risebelle suggested. "But we'll stay hidden in the shadows, ready to react if anything goes wrong. We can't afford to take any chances."

Runebelle, always with a sad look, nodded in agreement. With their plan decided, the sisters proceeded with caution, inching closer to the Mana Extractor while remaining concealed in the cover of the forest's shadows.

Risebelle cautiously approached the Mana Extractor, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The absence of any guards or defensive barriers around the device raised suspicion. She carefully examined the surroundings, her keen eyes scanning for any hidden threats or signs of a trap.

The forest remained eerily quiet, and there were no visible signs of mages lurking nearby. The sisters had managed to get close to the Mana Extractor without any immediate reaction.

Risebelle leaned in closer to the device, her gloved hand reaching out to touch its surface. She could feel the hum of magical energy emanating from it. It appeared to be operational.

However, despite the apparent lack of danger, Risebelle maintained her vigilance. She whispered to her sisters, "Stay alert. It's strange that there are no guards. Roselle, be ready with your cannon in case something unexpected happens. Runebelle, keep an eye on our surroundings."

Risebelle aimed her cannon at the Mana Extractor, her finger poised on the trigger. With a fierce look in her eyes, she pulled the trigger, expecting a powerful blast that would destroy the device.

However, to her surprise, there was no explosion. Instead, a faint shimmer surrounded the Mana Extractor, revealing that it was nothing more than an illusion, a fake. Risebelle's shot had passed right through it.

She stepped back in confusion and frustration. "It's a fake!" she exclaimed.

Suddenly, a barrage of light energy attack caught Risebelle by surprise. They struck her in the back, sending her tumbling to the forest floor. She let out a pained cry as she hit the ground.

Roselle and Runebelle turned in alarm, their eyes widening at the sight of their sister being attacked.