Project Mage

Dr. Kintovar led Roselle down to the first floor, her lab filled with the hum of machinery and a sense of anticipation. As they reached the training area, Kintovar turned to face Roselle.

"You see, Roselle, I told you that you'd receive magic training, but whether you actually learn anything from it depends entirely on you," Kintovar explained, her tone firm. "Your potential is great, but it's up to you to unlock it."

With those words, Kintovar called out, "Risebelle, come forth."

From the second floor, Risebelle appeared, jumping down gracefully to land perfectly across from Roselle. She looked just like Roselle but older, with aqua hair that flowed like a waterfall.

Risebelle stood before Roselle, her attire distinctively different from Roselle's. While Roselle's clothing was a simple fur coat, a temporary measure due to her outfit not being ready, Risebelle wore a fitted aqua-blue robe adorned with silver patterns that glimmered with a faint magical aura. The robe had a high collar and long flowing sleeves that seemed to ripple like water as she moved.Dr. Kintovar spoke with a touch of pride in her tone. "Roselle, meet Risebelle. She's your older sister, my first creation, and codenamed Project Z.A.B."

Roselle's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation. She had no idea she had an older sister, let alone one who looked so similar to her but with striking differences. She managed a hesitant smile in response. "Nice to meet you too, Risebelle."

Risebelle's aqua eyes met Roselle's, and she offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Dr. Kintovar took a step forward, her enthusiasm evident as she gestured toward Risebelle. "Risebelle will be your mentor for your magic training. She's exceptionally skilled and has already mastered her abilities. You have much to learn from her, Roselle."

Dr. Kintovar paused and then grinned as she continued, "However, I should warn you, Roselle. Risebelle may not be in the mood to teach you if you perform poorly. She has high standards, and I expect you to rise to the occasion."

Without hesitation, Risebelle uttered the word "weapon," and her own cannon materialized on her back, just like Roselle's. Though it was similar in design, Roselle couldn't help but notice that Risebelle's cannon appeared slightly smaller.

Roselle followed suit, summoning her weapon with a focused thought. This was atleast one thing Kintovar taught her that came easy.

Dr. Kintovar observed their actions with a satisfied nod. "Good, both of you are ready. This battle will end when either of you reach 25% or lower. You will cease the fight then and only then. "

With a nod of acknowledgement, Roselle looked at Risebelle, her aqua-haired sister.

"I'm ready, Risebelle. Let's do this!" Roselle said energetically.

Risebelle's response was a simple nod, and then she took a step back, creating some distance between them.As Dr. Kintovar gave the command to begin, Roselle wasted no time. She summoned her cannon and fired off a series of three powerful energy blasts in quick succession. The bursts of magical energy surged toward Risebelle with incredible speed and force; however, to Roselle's astonishment, Risebelle didn't even flinch. With an almost casual grace, Risebelle raised her bare hands and effortlessly swatted away each of the incoming energy blasts. They dissipated harmlessly in the air, leaving no trace of their power.

Risebelle uttered her first words while lowering her eyes "So, this is Project Mage." Risebelle sounded as if she were not impressed in the slightest. "I knew you would be a waste of my time."

Roselle felt a confidence drop when her sister showed disappointment Instead of a warm welcome and encouragement. Roselle did not let that stop her though. Determined to prove herself, began to move cautiously around the training area, her eyes never leaving Risebelle. She searched for an opening, a chance to launch an attack and show her sister that she could hold her own in this battle.

Risebelle, however, remained perfectly still, her aqua eyes tracking Roselle's every move.Roselle realized that she needed to adapt her strategy if she wanted to have a chance against Risebelle. She focused on her "Magic" indicator, drawing upon the energy within her. As she charged her cannon with magic, the air around her seemed to shimmer with power.

Risebelle observed Roselle's actions with a calm and calculating eyes. She fixed her glare on her younger sister.

Risebelle's bluish cannon beam narrowly missed Roselle as she dodged to the side, the powerful blast leaving a scorch mark on the ground. But before Roselle could react, Risebelle closed the distance between them with startling speed.

Roselle's eyes widened as Risebelle abandoned her cannon and lunged forward with a flurry of physical strikes. Roselle managed to evade each attack by inches, but it was clear that she lacked experience in hand-to-hand combat.

Risebelle's movements were graceful and fluid, her strikes precise and well-timed. She pressed the advantage, aiming for Roselle's vulnerabilities. Despite Roselle's efforts to avoid the attacks, Risebelle's relentless assault kept her on the defensive.

Risebelle's movements were fluid and precise, while Roselle struggled to evade each hit. Risebelle with a tone of sternness, remarked,

"You need to learn more than just firing a cannon, Roselle. In a real battle, you won't always have the luxury of keeping your distance."In a moment of frustration, Roselle decided to take the offensive. She threw a punch at Risebelle, who easily blocked the attack and gracefully stepped back. Roselle glanced at her own hand for a moment in thought.

Risebelle placed one hand on the floor and conjured a slippery energy puddle on the ground. As Roselle lunged at her, she lost her footing on the slick surface and tumbled to the ground in an embarrassing manner.

Roselle landed with a thud, her face flushed with embarrassment as she pouted. Risebelle stood nearby, She waited for Roselle to pick herself up.

Risebelle lowered her eyes as she spoke, "Battles require strategy and adaptability. It's not just about firepower; it's about using your environment and understanding your opponent."

As Roselle got back on her feet, she asked a question. "Risebelle, how did you create that energy puddle? It was like nothing I've seen before. Can you teach me that technique?"

Risebelle remained composed "That's just a basic manipulation of magical energy.”You need to get serious, Roselle. Remember, you are Project Mage. Magic is at the core of what you were created for."

Roselle nodded. She focused on Risebelle's demonstration of the slippery energy technique and attempted to replicate it. With practice, she began to create a puddle of energy on the floor.

Risebelle observed Roselle's progress, her aqua eyes narrowing slightly. "Your energy is yellow," she noted. "That's an interesting color. It might hint at your future magical powers…."

Dr. Kintovar interjected, her tone filled with pride, "The magical system I created is indeed flawless. Roselle's affinity was unknown even to me. It's a fascinating development!"

Risebelle looked at Roselle with a seriousness in her aqua eyes. "Roselle, you're going to need that ability," she said firmly. "Trust me on this."

Roselle nodded in understanding. Risebelle swiftly moved back to her cannon, without a word. She aimed it at Roselle and fired a shot, narrowly missing her. The blast left a smoking mark on the ground near Roselle's feet.

Roselle jumped back in surprise, her heart pounding. Risebelle's reminder was clear; this was still a battle, and Roselle needed to remain alert and focused. Risebelle fires off an assault, sending several shots at Roselle in rapid succession.

As Risebelle's shots came towards her, Roselle's instincts kicked in. She focused on dodging the incoming blasts, her mind racing. ‘Risebelle's attacks are faster than mine. I can't afford to get hit!’ she thought

She leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding another shot. Her body moved with an agility she didn't know she possessed. ‘I have to find an opening. I can't match her firepower, but maybe I can outmaneuver her.’

Roselle continued to dodge and weave, her eyes locked on Risebelle's cannon as it fired relentlessly. Each near miss pushed her to her limits, but she refused to give in.

Risebelle's channeled her power into her cannon, launching a shot into the air; however, instead of a single powerful blast, it split into multiple orbs of aqua energy, each heading straight for Roselle.

The orbs moved with incredible speed, leaving Roselle with little time to react. She managed to dodge a few of them, but one struck her shoulder, causing her to stagger back. The impact stung, and Roselle winced in pain.

But in that crucial moment, a surge of adrenaline and focus allowed her to tap into her newfound magic. She summoned a barrier of energy, creating a protective shield in front of her. The aqua orbs collided with the barrier, dissipating harmlessly.

Roselle was panting, the near-miss having pushed her to her limits once again. She was amazed at her ability to create that protective barrier. 'I did it! I actually defended myself!' she thought, a glimmer of confidence building within her.

Roselle's quick thinking allowed her to evade Risebelle's subsequent attack. She rolled out of the way just in time, narrowly avoiding the incoming blast.

"At least you're not sleeping yet." Risebelle remarked.

As Roselle continued her training with Risebelle, she began to take what she had learned about magic and adapt it into a new move. She concentrated on her understanding of energy manipulation and the colors associated with it.

With a glare at Risebelle , Roselle channeled her magical energy into her cannon, focusing on creating a unique attack. She visualized the colors associated with her magic, the vibrant yellow that represented her power.

With a sudden burst of energy, Roselle unleashed her new move. A stream of bright yellow energy erupted from her cannon, twisting and turning like a tornado. It was a controlled chaos of energy, swirling and pulsating with power.

Risebelle observed Roselle's new move, her aqua eyes carefully tracking the energy tornado. She remained stoic but showed a glimmer of interest in Roselle's progress.

"It's a lightning tornado... An interesting move, considering your affinity. Lightning can be both powerful and unpredictable."

Roselle nodded. "I thought it might be useful to have something with a bit more range and versatility. Lightning can strike quickly and from a distance!”

Risebelle's eyes studied Roselle, assessing her progress. "True, but it requires precision and control. You can't afford to be reckless with such power. Remember, every move you make has consequences."

Roselle unleashed the lightning tornado towards Risebelle, she watched as the swirling vortex of electrical energy moved toward her older sister. The powerful winds and crackling lightning bolts danced around Risebelle.

However, Risebelle remained calm and composed. She didn't flinch in the face of the approaching tornado. Instead, she locked her cannon onto Roselle, tracking her movements even through the storm.

Risebelle continued to fire precise shots at Roselle, not allowing the swirling tornado to deter her. Her shots cut through the electrical storm, closing in on Roselle with unwavering accuracy. It was a display of incredible focus and control over her powers.

Roselle, caught between her own attack and Risebelle's relentless barrage, realized the need for even greater precision and control. She adjusted her focus, attempting to guide the lightning tornado to both protect herself and maintain an offensive threat.

Roselle charged forward, emulating Risebelle's approach, but she was met with a familiar energy puddle on the floor. This time, however, Roselle was prepared. She swiftly lowered herself into a controlled slide, her feet gliding effortlessly on the slippery surface.

Risebelle's eyes widened in surprise as Roselle, instead of stumbling, used the energy puddle to her advantage. In a fluid motion, Roselle shifted her weight and aimed her cannon at Risebelle.

With a focused thought and a surge of energy, Roselle unleashed a shot that struck Risebelle's side. The aqua-haired older sister staggered slightly from the impact, caught off guard by Roselle's quick thinking and adaptability.“Wh-What? She managed to hit me...”

Dr. Kintovar couldn't help but grin as she watched the battle unfold.