The brain suddenly awakened. “OH, my stars! I feel like I've been snoozing for an eternity in this jar. But now, the brain warden is ready to shake things up!”

  The brain spoke at a higher pitch. “Ahh! Hello, Varta Kintovar! I must say, it's simply delightful to be back in action. What a peculiar journey I've had. But now, I'm here to assist you in every way I can!"

  Kintovar' trembled while speaking. “Mother, I had no idea. I've finished the creations you started – Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle. They were projects stolen by Father, and I had no clue what I was truly creating…”

  The brain’s tone shifted with anger. “Mages, huh? Always causing trouble, those self-righteous sorcerers. They just can’t resist making things difficult for scientists like us. They’re always starting trouble and meddling in things they barely understand!”

  The brains grew more intense while continuing. “You don’t have to feel any guilt for your father stealing the documents. He knew exactly what he was doing. He probably knew that either you or I would end up like this. It was a deliberate choice on his part to ensure the work would continue even if he had to sacrifice others.”

  Kintovar absorbed the brain’s words though her heart felt heavy. After a moment of contemplation, Kintovar looked at the brain with concern. “Mother, are you alright with being... just a brain?”

  The brain seemed to consider this for a moment before responding with a playful tone. “Oh, absolutely, Varta! When I first woke up without my body, it felt a bit... strange. I remember thinking, ‘This feels weird,’ and then I tried to move around, only to realize that I couldn’t move at all. It was quite the adjustment!”

  There was a brief pause before the brain continued. “And then I remember the scream. It was a bit alarming at first, but I’ve grown used to it. After all, it’s not every day you become a disembodied brain with a personality!”

  Kintovar chuckled softly, feeling a sense of relief and comfort. “I’m glad to hear you’re adapting well. It’s just... it’s a lot to take in.”

  The brain responded with a comforting tone, “I’m more than content to be the brain warden, watching over you and offering my knowledge."

  Juliana, however, interjected. "Nonsense, Julia! You deserve more than to be a brain in a jar. We're going to build you a new body, one that can house your brilliance and continue your work."

  The brain chuckled. “Juliana is absolutely right. She needs something to occupy her brilliant mind. In that cell, she practically gave up and accepted her circumstances without a fight. If it had been me? I would have taken over the entire jail, proving that technology is far from weak."

  Juliana's eyes shone with intrigue. "And what would you have done after taking over the jail?"

  The brain responded confidently, "I would have moved on to the city if necessary, Juliana."

  Juliana laughed heartily. “That’s my girl! You've always been ambitious. Your confidence motivates me even more!"

  Kintovar watched the exchange between Juliana and the brain with a satisfied smile.

  Later that night, as Kintovar and Haras peacefully slumbered, Juliana spoke to the brain alone. The two of them discussed the next phase of their plan in whispers.

  Kintovar stirred in her sleep, half-consciously aware of the hushed conversation between Juliana and the brain. With a quiet yawn, she pushed her sunglasses up to rest on her head and peered over at the pair.

  Juliana and the brain seemed deeply engrossed in their discussion. Kintovar couldn't make out the details of their conversation. After a moment, she decided to settledback onto the couch, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep once more.

  The morning came with a glow over the dark castle of the Western territory. Inside the foreboding structure, King Maizen, a man who appeared far younger than his position would suggest, sat in his throne room. His sharp features, framed by a mane of scholarly brown hair, seemed almost ageless. He was clad in a Royal black battle armor.

  A soldier, adorned in the kingdom's armor approached the throne with measured steps. He kneeled before King Maizen and began to speak. "Your Majesty, we have received a most unusual request from a 'Dr. Kintovar.' She sought to bail out one of the top 10 criminals in the realm, Juliana Kintovar."

  King Maizen leaned forward. His eyes seemed to penetrate the very soul of the soldier. "Dr. Kintovar, you say? An intriguing request, indeed."

  The soldier continued, "Your Majesty, this Dr. Kintovar has already paid the substantial bail required to release Juliana Kintovar. She has the means to do so, and it appears she is intent on ensuring Juliana's freedom."

  A subtle smile curled upon King Maizen's lips, and his gaze remained fixated on the soldier. "And what do you make of this, soldier? What could be Dr. Kintovar's intentions in bailing out one of the kingdom's most notorious criminals?"

  The soldier lowered his head slightly. "Y-Your Majesty, it is not for me to speculate on her motives. But I thought it prudent to inform you of this unusual development."

  King Maizen reclined upon his throne. His fingers lightly tapped the armrest and amusement appeared within his eyes. "Very well, soldier. I shall consider this matter carefully."

  If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  The soldier hesitated for a moment before responding. "Your Majesty, there is one more thing. On the paperwork for the bail, it indicates that Juliana Kintovar is in relation to this Dr.Kintovar. There seems to be a familial connection between them.”

  King Maizen ‘s face shifted from mild amusement to one of contemplation. He leaned forward, and his eyes bore into the soldier. "A familial relationship, you say? This situation grows more intriguing by the moment."

  The soldier shifted uneasily, then continued, “There is more, Your Majesty. We received a letter this morning addressed to you from Dr. Kintovar. I thought it prudent to bring it to your attention.”

  King Maizen’s interest was piqued. He extended a hand to receive the letter. He unfolded the letter and began to read. Upon reading the content, a faint, amused smile curled upon his lips. He tilted his head and raised one hand to the side of his face. “This is quite amusing. It seems Dr. Kintovar has a flair for the dramatics with the way she worded this letter. What do you think, soldier? Should we grant her an audience?”

  The soldier hesitated. “Your Majesty, again, it is not in my place to say this; however, from the information I’ve gathered, there’s something suspicious about this entire situation. It might be wise to keep a close watch on them.”

  King Maizen’s smile widened. He leaned back on the throne and said, “Indeed, we cannot afford to leave this unchecked. I shall arrange for an audience with Dr. Kintovar. After all, curiosity is one of the many pleasures of ruling.”

  Meanwhile, In Henry's cozy living room, Juliana Kintovar, clad in her distinct green military suit and lab coat gave a casual salute to everyone who currently resided within and spoke in a tone that resonated with both authority and youthful energy. "Greetings, everyone. I'm Juliana Kintovar, and it's a pleasure to finally meet all of you."

  The room fell silent for a moment. The diverse group took in the appearance of this unassuming yet clearly extraordinary individual. For Roselle and Risebelle, this was the first time they had met Juliana. Her unique presence left them in awe.

  Meanwhile, amidst the chatter and introductions, the brain had undergone a transformation. It now appeared as a small fish swimming gracefully in a large tank of clear water.

  Young Timmy was transfixed by the fish. With wide eyes, he leaned closer to the tank. Mesmerized by the gentle movements of the aquatic creature.

  The fish suddenly emitted a cheerful bubble. It then spoke in a surprisingly clear and friendly tone, “Greetings, little one! I am Julia, the fish. Isn’t it wonderful to meet you?”

  Timmy’s eyes widened with fascination, and a small smile spread across his face. “Wow, a talking fish! That’s so cool!”

  Juliana glanced over with a slight smile. “Ah, I see Julia is making new friends already.”

  Henry chuckled softly after noticing Timmy's fascination with the fish. "Oh, that's not just any fish, Timmy. It's a mystical creature. It's harmless, though, so no need to worry."

  Osana, Timmy's older sister raised an eyebrow. “Interesting choice for a pet, don’t you think, Molly?"

  Molly had a phone opened up. She barely looked up from her phone and spoke flat with little intrigue. "Yeah, it's cool or whatever." With a shrug, she added, "I’m heading out. Don't get too carried away with the talking fish." She turned and exited the door in her dark attitire.

  Henry had time to put the pieces together. He turned to Oakley with a subtle nod. The name "Kintovar" was now starting to make more sense to them.

  He spoke in a hushed tone, knowing that Timmy was still present, "I know she's one of the top 10 criminals, but look at her. She seems harmless."

  Before the discussion could delve further, a sudden knock on the door interrupted the group's musings. Henry hurried to the door. He opened it to find a guard standing outside. The guard spoke with a serious tone, "King Maizen wishes to see Dr. Kintovar right away. She is allowed to bring up to three guests with her and no more."

  Henry inquired, "How would the King even know she's here?"

  The guard's responded with narrow eyes. “We never take our eyes off Juliana Kintovar. She's one of the top 10 criminals."

  Henry relayed the message to the group.

  "This is unexpectedly fast,” Kintovar noted. "I only just submitted the request about an hour ago.”

  Henry merely shrugged

  Haras shook her body around nervously and said, “Only three, though? That's not fair. One of them has to be me, right?"

  Kintovar shook her head. "No, Haras. I'm taking Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle with me. I need them by my side. I never know what might happen, and they are my creations."

  Juliana chimed in. "Smart move, Kintovar. For all you know, this could be a trap granted how quickly this was granted."

  Haras couldn't hide her disappointment. Kintovar placed one hand on her shoulder. "Haras, this is the most strategic move. If anything happens to me, you'll still be around. You're just as intelligent as I am, and I trust you to handle things in my absence."

  Timmy approached Roselle and said, “Goodbye, Roselle. Oh! By the way, I have a cool game I want to show you when you get back. My father got it for me the other day when you were sleeping for so long, and I didn't get a chance to show you!"

  Roselle smiled warmly at Timmy. “Sure. I look forward to playing that game with you when I return, Timmy. Be good while we're gone, okay?"

  The group, consisting of Roselle, Risebelle, Runebelle, and Kintovar, made their way to the imposing Dark Castle. Once they arrived, guards stationed at the castle gates allowed them to pass, recognizing Dr. Kintovar.

  However, when they were about to enter, a vigilant guard stepped forward eyeing Kintovar with suspicion. "Hold up. Dr. Kintovar, don't you dare try anything funny! We won't hesitate to kill if you do."

  Kintovar raised one hand and smiled. "No need to worry. We're here for a meeting with King Maizen. We won't cause any trouble."

  The group proceeded into the castle. They followed a guide who had been assigned to escort them to their meeting with King Maizen.

  Soon, they reached a dark elevator, unlike any conventional one they had ever seen. This elevator was powered by magic, and the interior was shrouded in a mysterious ambiance. A single magical light bulb was the only light source within it.

  Kintovar, Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle stepped into the elevator, ready to embark on their meeting with the king.

  The group reached the entrance to the throne room on the top floor of the Dark Castle, they were greeted by the four imposing members of the Elite Guard who each wore a golden tag carrying their names on their outfits:

  Bashido: A tall, bald-headed man in Western armor who had an air of authority and seriousness. He stood there with a mean look glued to his face. He spoke in a deep, ominous tone, "Watch your asses and follow the protocol in the presence of King Maizen."

  Prince Vuldo: This regal figure with white hair. He had one vibrant red eye and one purple eye. He was clad in a crown, a flowing red cape, and black armor. He carried a sheathed sword by his side. With an air of authority, he spoke, "Welcome to the throne room. You may proceed."

  Princess Anitina: Dressed in the attire of a princess, adorned in shades of pink, she offered a polite smile and said, "Hello there. Please, follow me to the audience area."

  Muiler G: She had purple hair and piercing purple eyes. Muiler G wore a unique and revealing purple battle armor. She carried various sheaths and a sword sheath on her back. She had a soft-spoken but dangerous demeanor and smirked at the group. "You have an audience with the king. Stay on your best behaviors now."

  The group, guided by the Elite Guard, followed the regal procession toward the heart of the castle, where King Maizen awaited their arrival.