In the spacious testing area of the Western Kingdom, Princess Anitina had set up various equipment and devices for the safety and compatibility test. She instructed Kintovar, Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle to stand in a designated area.

  The first part of the test involved a series of magical wards and barriers. Anitina cast protective spells around the group to ensure their safety during the evaluation. She explained.

  “As you know, every human who is a mage has magical energy within them. At some point in their training, they can create an aura of energy around themselves, a kind of visible manifestation of their power,” Anitina explained. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity while looking at the group. “I want you to try to do that now”

  Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle exchanged uncertain glances. “We don’t have magic,” Roselle said hesitantly. “Our abilities come from technology.”

  Anitina nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, I’ve read the reports, but there’s something curious I’ve observed.” She walked over to a nearby table and picked up a tablet, tapping on the screen. A video began playing, showing footage of a battle that had taken place months ago.

  The screen displayed a fierce battle with the Dark Whirlwind from the North. The video showed Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle fighting valiantly, using abilities that appeared magical: Roselle’s Yellow lightning, Risebelle’s water magic and Runebelle using fire, ice and earth pillars.

  Roselle looked at the footage on the screen with recognition “Those are our powers! I guess they do look kind of magical,” she admitted with a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She turned to Kintovar with a quizzical look. “What did you call them again?”

  Kintovar stepped forward with one finger raised. “It’s called Artificial Magic, which is a fusion of advanced technology and elemental manipulation. Unlike traditional magic, which is derived from innate energy within individuals, Artificial Magic is engineered and programmed into beings like Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle. It allows them to channel and control elemental forces, mimicking magical abilities.”

  Princess Anitina nodded. “Fascinating. So, it’s a technological simulation of magical prowess. In that case, we’ll need to conduct just one more test.”

  She raised her hands, and a shimmering, gigantic barrier of energy formed around Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle. The barrier glowed with a soft, luminescent light, its surface rippling with magical energy.

  “Try to break this barrier by creating auras with your Artificial Magic,” Anitina instructed. “I want to see how your powers interact with this protective field.”

  Roselle glanced at her sisters. “We’ve never really tried to make an aura before…”

  Risebelle nodded. “It sort of happens subconsciously when we use our powers but we’ve never focused on it deliberately.”

  Anitina smiled. “Just give it a try. Focus on your powers and imagine them radiating outward from you. Trust in your abilities.”

  Roselle took a deep breath and closed her eyes, focusing inward. She concentrated on the sensation of her power, envisioning it as a brilliant yellow lightning energy that pulsed within her.

  Risebelle followed suit, channeling her thoughts toward her water magic, visualizing it flowing and swirling around her like a protective aura.

  Runebelle did the same, tapping into her ability to manipulate fire, ice and earth. She imagined these elements merging into an energy field surrounding her.

  Sparks of yellow lightning flickered around Roselle, droplets of water cascaded around Risebelle and flames, icy crystals and earthen fragments orbited around Runebelle.

  The auras grew stronger and began resonating with each other. The barrier around them trembled under the combined force of their Artificial Magic.

  Princess Anitina watched with fascination. “Incredible! Your Artificial Magic is not only powerful but also beautifully synchronized!”

  The sister’s output was so strong that it collided with the barrier. The magical field shattered into a cascade light, dissipating into the air.

  Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle opened their eyes. They had done it—they had consciously created and controlled their auras.

  Anitina clapped her hands. “You’ve exceeded my expectations. Your powers are truly extraordinary, but, uh...” She hesitated, glancing at the remnants of the barrier. “That barrier was a high-level defense, meant to withstand the strength of an elite guard, and you shattered it. I must admit, I didn’t anticipate this level of power.”

  “Is that bad?” Roselle asked hesitantly.

  Anitina offered a smile, though her eyes remained contemplative. “Not bad, exactly. It’s just...unexpected...”

  Risebelle raised an eyebrow. “Does that mean we’re stronger than some of the elite guards?”

  Anitina shook her head slightly. “Not exactly, but it means you might stand a chance against them. The elite guards are extraordinary in both power and their battle strategies. Beating one of them requires an equal measure of battle smarts. Power alone won’t win you favors.”

  Runebelle nodded thoughtfully. “So, we need to be strategic, not just powerful.”

  After the test was over, Anitina turned to Kintovar and said, "It seems your group passes the safety and compatibility test. You should have no issues here, however...."

  Princess Anitina turned her attention to Roselle, Risebelle and Runebelle. "These are..." she began, but Kintovar finished her sentence. “They are my creations."

  Anitina nodded and continued, "I hope you don't mind, Dr. Kintovar, but I need to have a private conversation with one of them. Specifically, Roselle."

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  Kintovar glanced curiously at Roselle, then back at Anitina. "Of course, Princess Anitina.”

  Anitina gestured for Roselle to step aside with her. "Roselle, would you please accompany me for a moment? We have something to discuss."

  Roselle nodded and followed Anitina to a quieter area of the testing space, leaving Kintovar, Risebelle, and Runebelle waiting.

  In the small private room at the back of the testing area, Princess Anitina sat on a bed and sighed. She looked at Roselle and began to speak. "I'm not entirely certain, but I need to be sure. I have to ask you something. Do I... know you?"

  Roselle looked puzzled. "I... I don't think we've met before. I only arrived here recently with Dr. Kintovar and my sisters. Why do you ask?"

  Anitina tapped her fingers together nervously and responded, "It's just... I had a feeling, a sense of familiarity when I saw you. It's as if I've seen you before..."

  Roselle stared up at the ceiling. “hmmmmmm….. Where could we have met before?”

  Anitina spoke, "I once had a friend named Roselle. She looked almost like you, except I had a shorter name. Seeing you triggered a memory, a sense of déjà vu. It's just ….driving me a little crazy."

  A flood of memories rushed through Roselle's mind. She vividly remembered a shy girl with pink hair, and then, suddenly, the name 'Tina' came to her.

  Tina, her friend from the past. Memories resurfaced of laughter, the secrets they shared and the times they spent together.

  The most vivid memory was the moment Tina grabbed Roselle's hand, confessing her feelings, and then kissed her. Roselle's eyes widened as all these memories flooded back. She stammered, "T-Tina? Is that... Is that you? "

  Princess Anitina was shocked. She stuttered, "I... I can't believe it. It's really you, Roselle? But... What happened? I heard you were…dead… How...?"

  Roselle nodded and began to explain. “I... did…I remember lying on the floor, without any clothes on, and then... I lost consciousness. The next thing I knew, I was here as one of Dr. Kintovar's creations. Her work somehow saved me."

  Anitina pictured Roselle, just like the one she remembered in her former clothes, fiddling with her hands while explaining things. Her eyes softened and she took a step closer to Roselle. "I'm so sorry, Roselle. I abandoned you, and when you searched for me, I... I avoided you. I wish I could go back and undo those past actions, but I can't."

  Anitina wrapped her arms around Roselle and hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry..."

  Roselle hugged Anitina back. "I... I'm just glad I found you again, Tina."

  Anitina raised her fists with a smile. "I know you're always on some kind of mission, Roselle, even now you want to enter the Eastern Annual Tournament."

  Roselle nodded.

  Anitina raised one finger. “The competition this year is going to be tough, Roselle. You'll need all the luck you can get."

  With a warm smile, Anitina reached for something on a nearby table and handed it to Roselle. It was a soft, plush bunny. "I remember how much you used to love these. This one's a good-luck charm. Keep it with you during the tournament.

  Roselle accepted the plush bunny with gratitude. "Thank you, Tina. I'll cherish it, and I'm so grateful to have you as my friend again… oh! Tina, do you know if any of my other friends are still around? Is anyone else from the past here?"

  Anitina furrowed her brow in thought. After a moment, her face lit up with realization. "One of them will definitely be in the tournament, Roselle. I'm sure of it."

  Roselle's eyes widened with anticipation. "Who is it, Tina? Who's going to be in the tournament?"

  Anitina paused for a moment and then answered, "I think you know who it is, Roselle."

  Confusion crossed Roselle's face. "I…don’t know. Could you tell me who it is?"

  Anitina chuckled and shook her head. "It's a surprise, Roselle. Let's head back to the others now, Roselle."

  As Roselle rejoined the group waiting for them. Risebelle had a suspicious look in her. She asked, “What was that about? Did Anitina do anything funny?"

  Roselle blushed and quickly replied, "No, no, it was nothing like that! We just talked, that's all."

  Risebelle lowered her eyes and folded her arms. "Something did happen, didn't it?"

  Both Roselle and Anitina blushed. They stammered out in unison, "No, nothing happened."

  Anitina raised one hand. " I was just fascinated by the uniqueness of Kintovar's creations. They're like humans living within the bodies of machines. It's truly remarkable."

  Risebelle raised an eyebrow. She muttered to herself, ‘Humans in machines... strange way to put us...’

  The group left the Dark Castle, making their way back to Henry's home. When they made it back, Kintovar filled Juliana in on all details of the meeting. Juliana's interest was piqued, and she remarked, "You should have asked that Anitina girl more questions. She sounds like a fascinating character – an Elite Guard, a princess and a scientist. She's a triple threat for success."

  Kintovar replied, "I didn't want to seem suspicious by prying too much. We already received her assistance."

  Haras chimed in with a giggle. "Oh, if I had been there, we'd be fast friends, no doubt! We'd be chatting about inventions, technology, and who knows what else in no time flat!"

  Kintovar chuckled. "I'm sure you two would have hit it off instantly, Haras."

  Juliana turned to Kintovar with her hands behind her back and said, "I think your creations should enter the Western practice tournament as well. It will be excellent preparation for the Annual Tournament."

  Kintovar seemed slightly puzzled. She asked, "What is this practice tournament you’re talking about?"

  Juliana explained, “The practice tournament is a sort of preliminary event held just before the Annual Tournament for Westerners who intend to participate in it. Fighters from all across the Western Kingdom participate to refine their skills and test their strategies. It's not as prestigious as the main tournament, but it provides invaluable experience and insight into the competition.”

  Kintovar considered this. “So, it's a good chance to test our abilities before the big event?”

  Juliana nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly. And with the Annual Tournament coming up soon, it’s an ideal opportunity for Roselle and her sisters to get some practice. I heard the practice tournament begins tomorrow. That’s perfect timing for you.”

  Kintovar turned to Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle, who were listening intently. “It looks like we have another event to prepare for. What do you all think?”

  Roselle, clutching the plush bunny Anitina had given her brightened. “I think it sounds like a great idea! It’ll give us a chance to see how we measure up before the big tournament.”

  Risebelle nodded in agreement. “It’s a good opportunity to assess our strengths and weaknesses.”

  Runebelle seemed intrigued by the idea despite her gloom. “I…want to do it.”

  Juliana smiled. “Fantastic! Then let’s make sure you’re ready for tomorrow.”

  Haras added with a grin, “And don’t forget to have some fun while you’re at it! Something like this can be a blast if you enter in with the right mindset.”

  At night time, Roselle and Timmy were engaged in a heated battle on the new game they had started playing. Timmy, with his enthusiastic and competitive spirit crushed Roselle at the game several times over.

  Timmy's face lit up with excitement. He triumphantly declared, "Hahahaha! Take that! I win again!" He had just scored another victory.

  Roselle was embarrassed by her constant defeats. She turned her head to face him with a smile. "You're really good at this, Timmy. You beat me so easily."

  Timmy beamed with pride at the compliment. Roselle took a deep breath and then said, “I think that’s enough for today.”

  "Aww," he whined, "Can't we play one more round?"

  Before Roselle could respond, Osana, Timmy's older sister, appeared in the doorway. She had a gentle smile on her face. "Time for bed, Timmy.”

  Timmy groaned but obeyed his sister's request.

  "Alright, I'm coming, sis," he said, reluctantly putting the controller down and waving bye to Roselle. "We'll play again tomorrow, Roselle. I'll teach you some more tricks!"

  Afterwards, Roselle hopped into her bed. She contemplated the events of the day.

  "I'm going to the tournament tomorrow," she mused to herself. "Dr.Kintovar is taking us to the Western Practice Tournament. It's a chance to show off and prove that technology can compete with magic. But..."

  Her thoughts turned to Rawna, the figure who had destroyed her cannon in the South before becoming their guide. Rawna had been rarely seen around. Would she be in the tournament?

  "Rawna... If I have to face her, I'll need to be prepared.”