Shadow Protocol
The New Beginning
Altaria, a resplendent state nestled within the kingdom of Ranveir, is renowned for its harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and abundant mana energy. This symphony of innovation and magic has given rise to a thriving metropolis, where a diverse array of species coexist in harmony. From intelligent and industrious humans to agile and enigmatic Luminari (beings capable of manipulating light), gentle and empathetic Aethers (ethereal, winged humanoids), and cunning and resourceful Kyrennei (small, mischievous creatures with a talent for magic and mayhem),
Altaria's melting pot of cultures and species is a true marvel. Despite their diverse backgrounds and abilities, the Altarians are united by a shared aspiration for peace, harmony, and mutual understanding. This collective ethos has cultivated a haven of stability, earning Altaria its distinction as one of the most tranquil and prosperous states within the kingdom of Ranveir.
Rune Laboratory, Ranveir's biggest laboratory situated in Altaria,far away from the population
scientist
*test tube explodes* sh#t ..again!! This is the 4th time today ugh *facepalm himself* what the hell am i doing wrong with this..
Lane
let me see *took the broken test tube from his hand and looks at it closely while shaking it* hmm..the amount of melene in this solution is low
Lane
You should add atleast 5-7% of melene in this
scientist
Ooh! *looks at the book* yea you're right. should've asked you sooner Lane
Lane
Yea no problem *wrist watch rang* ..my duty's over I'll head back
Lane left for his home which was approximately 2-3km away from the laboratory
Lane trudged wearily into the living room, eyes scanning the area
He spotted his daughter sitting on the couch looking at him with a smug face and waving some papers in the air. He immediately understood what that means
Lane
Ah? The results are out? So, will this dumb child of mine be attending the high school or not *teasing tone*
Hikari
*grins wider and tossed the papers on the coffee table* oh dad..this dumb child of yours somehow passed the entrance test with the 2nd highest score.
Lane
*chuckles while ruffling her hair with a warm hand* i know my daughter is just as smart as me right!
Hikari
*rolls eyes* yea yea sure
Lane
You have dinner yet? *asked while removing his tie*
Hikari
Yes i was starving and there's no way I'll postpone my dinner cuz of you *smirks*
Lane
*chuckles* little gremlin if you had dinner go sleep you have to wake up early
Hikari
Yea i don't wanna be late on my first day *stands up from the couch* you sleep early too okay. don't stay up late cuz of your work. Good night *smiles and walks away to her room*
Lane
*smiles* "she's all grown up. Caring about her father's health and all...just like you Jenna"
Meanwhile in hikari's room
Hikari
*lays on the bed* tomorrow's the day..
Hikari
I'll put an end to that thing
After a while she slept while being determined to expose the secrets of ______
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Midnight
Heya Stellars!!✨ I'm the author of this story "Shadow Protocol" this will be my first ever story 😅
Midnight
Actually I'm a poet but sometimes i also want to write some stories after reading here. İ hope you'll like it. I'll not be talking much after the chapters as.. honestly idk what to say 🤧..
Things written in **. Are the actions of the characters while "" means its their thoughts or you can say they're saying that in their mind ...
Midnight
Btw all images here are either from Pinterest or ai and the custom characters are made by me with the help of picrew (if you know u know). The character info will be given at the last of the chapter in which it has been introduced.
Name: Hikari İshikawa
Age: 16
Birthday: 30th September (libra♎)
MBTİ: İNTJ
Family: Her dad (Lane) , her mom (jenna, who died in a tragic science experiment)
Species: Human
Parent's occupation: Scientists at Rune Laboratory
Her occupation: high school student
Midnight
I'll only give the info of main characters and idk bout the dad myself... dude's really a mysterious guy🧐
Midnight
Anyways i hope you'll support me. don't forget to leave a comment as I'll be mentioning them!! Night out 👋🏻
Unlocking The Map
Hikari is Walking on the hallway not batting a single glance to other students.
Hikari trudged down the hallway, eyes scanning the rows of lockers for hers.
She was wearing a dark olive green oversized tshirt paired with charcoal gray corduroy pants. The shoes are sleek black with a tint of dark green accent and a simple silver pendant which her father gifted her on her 15th birthday. For ignoring unnecessary people she brought her black over-ear headphones too
Hikari
Found it no.204! *exclaimed as she found her locker*
Hikari
*cold fingers brushes over the cold metal as she twisted the key into the key hole, with a click the locker opened*
As she was shoving her books i to the locker she heard laughters behind her, she turned around only to see a group of students pointing qt her and laughing
Student1
Hey freak,what's up with those eyes of yours huh?
Student2
*Snickers* you look some kind of mutant. Are you from a new species called the freak eyes?
student3
*Chuckles* nice one! I bet you can't even see straight with those
Hikari
*sighs and closed the locker behind, turning to face them with a cool and calculating gaze*
Hikari
How original. Did you guys come up with that yourself or did you find it in a middle school how to bully book ?
Hikari
I'd suggest you to try harder next time. Your insults are as lame as your personalities *scoffs*
The girl stomped towards Hikari ready to teach her a lesson, hikari too not facing this bullying first time glare at her and clenched her palms into a punch.
Reina
İ thought we were done with those middle school bullying don't you think guys?
A figure appeared out of nowhere and stands between hikari and that girl, her stance firm with a spark of mischief in her eyes
student3
What! what's your problem huh?
Reina
Oh i don't know , maybe the fact that you're picking on my best friend's heterochomia eyes because you're jealous that they're far wonderful and magnificent than yours *Snickers*
Reina
Yea yea go ahead, keep running your mouths. But i don't think you want ME to get creative with my comments
Hikari
*scoffs* trust me, they're not so pretty
Both Hikari and Reina smirks and the group...well they can't come up with anything other than their lame middle school taunts
Student2
Tch...let's just go, my friend knows this blueberry, he told me she's sick in the head
Student1
Yea i don't want mu brain to be messed up too
They all hurriedly left and whispers and gossips escaped from everyone who were present in the hallway watching this show
Reina
*gave hikari a playful nudge* they were too boring to mess with
Hikari
*scoffs* yea tell me about it
Reina
*eyes sparkling with mischief, leaning closer to Hikari* so? Did you find it? Is it here?
Hikari
*glanced at Reina with a small smirk playing on her lips* you think I'd ever be wrong with my calculations
Reina
*chuckled with bright excitement* i never said you were wrong. Just wondered if you'd finally let me in on your lil' secret
Hikari
Patience isn't really your strong suit, is it?
Reina
Not when it comes to something our Hikari is interested in *winks at her*
Hikari looked around with her usual unreadable expression before secretly handing Reina a folded map.
Hikari
*Her voice dropped into a whisper* it's all here like i calculated...the clues..the outline...the cave behind the school .. everything
Reina
*raises an eyebrow and glances at Hikari with a mixture of curiosity and concern* ...but the cave is prohibited Hikari
Hikari
*her face was unreadable before she shrugged casually* rules are meant to be broken if benefits us
Reina
*sighs with a smile* I'm relieved that you didn't changed a bit but also concerned because you didn't changed a bit
Hikari
*gave Reina a small smirk before saying* you know whose daughter is standing infront of you.
Reina
*rolled eyes* yea yea Hikari ishikawa the only daughter of Jenna ishikawa
Hikari
*smiles a little and tucked the map back in her pocket* this weekend... you in?
Reina
*grinned with excitement* ofcouse my life's so boring nowadays anyways
With that the bell rang and they move to their respective classes.
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Midnight
Heyy Stellars!!!✨
Midnight
İ hope you like this chapter,
Plz support if you do,
❤️❤️
Name: Reina Harada
Age: 16
Birthday: 28th April (Taurus♉)
MBTİ: ENFP
Family: Mom, Dad and a younger brother
Species: Human
Parent's occupation: Dad's a Doctor and mom's a housewife
Her occupation: high school student
Midnight
Thank you for reading ❤️✨
Silent Pulse
Days passed quickly and the weekend finally arrived. the sun hung up low in the orange sky as the two girls meet at their planned spot, a quiet, hidden edge near the school.
Hikari
Did you bring the essential stuff? *asked while rummaging through her bag rechecking one last time*
Reina
Ofcourse! *she exclaimed pulling out a flashlight a little handbook and ...snacks*
Hikari
*looks at her with "are you serious?" face* snacks...really?
Reina
Hey! Exploring is hungry work and who knows, what if we get trapped in their...you'll thank me later
Hikari didn't argue back and focused on her preparations. She pulled out her map from the pocket
Hikari
The map sure is old but this place didn't change much since then...*says while looking around*
Reina
*nods in agreement* so.. we're all set..Let's begin our adventurous exploration partner!! *she said excitedly while dragging hikari into the forest*
Hikari
*gave her the map and let Reina drag her while she observe their surroundings*
Following the map's carefully marked trail, they weaved through the dense trees, their steps muffled by the forest floor. Finally, they stopped in front of a small, shadowy cave. Its entrance was partially hidden by overgrown vines, but the bold, weathered signs nailed to the trees nearby made its presence unmistakable.
Reina
*gulped and she repeat the words written on the signs* "Danger do not enter"..."stop"..well that's one way to scare off someone
Hikari
*leaned closer and looks inside the cave seeing nothing, just pitch black* they sure don't want anyone stumbling onto what's inside
Reina
*she also leaned closer to peer Into the darkness, shivering slightly* doesn't look so safe to enter
Hikari
*rolled eyes while tugging the map back into the pocket* we've come this far, you're not gonna chicken out now will you?
Reina
*grinned despite her shivers and fast heartbeat* me? Ofcourse not. Let's see what secrets this "lost city" holds.
The air grew colder as they approached the cave’s entrance, the faint scent of damp earth and moss drifting out. Thick vines clung to the rocks. Despite its small entrance, the shadows within seemed to stretch endlessly, as if inviting them into the unknown.
Hikari
*turn on her flashlight, it's beam cutting through the darkness of the cave* stay close and watch your steps, we don't know how stable it is inside
Reina
*flicks on her own flashlight, she gave a mock shudder* Got it! but if something jumps out, I'll be hiding behind you
Reina
Strategist *she corrected hikari with a smirk playing on her lips*
They stepped forward, their flashlights casting long, flickering shadows across the rough walls of the cave. The walls were damp, streaked with faint green moss that glistened in the light. The air was heavy, But there was something else—something unseen yet suffocating. A dense concentration of mana filled the cave, its overwhelming presence forcing both girls to block their noses instinctively. For humans, with one of the lowest mana tolerances among all species, the oppressive atmosphere was almost unbearable.
Reina
*muffled voice as she pinched her nose* this is absurd! So much mana in one place...why?
Hikari
*She adjusted her scarf to cover her nose and mouth, her expression unreadable.* It’s concentrated, probably untouched for years. That explains why the cave is sealed off.
Reina
Yeah, and also why humans aren’t exactly welcome here. *She glanced nervously at the swirling darkness ahead.* We shouldn’t stay long. This stuff feels like it’s crushing my lungs.
Hikari
We won’t stay any longer than necessary. But if there’s this much mana, something important is definitely in here
They pushed deeper into the cave, the pressure intensifying with each step. The flashlights illuminated strange carvings on the walls, as if alive with the dense mana surrounding them. Hikari’s gaze lingered on them, her sharp mind already scanning details for later, but the focus now was clear—find what the cave was hiding before the mana became unbearable.
Hikari
*cough* ugh ..if I knew it would be this bad I would've brought melene pills with me
**Melene pills**: melene are the substance that can control the amount of mana in the body. Melene pills control the body mana capabilities if the mana being inhaled is in a large amount . They are common in Altaria as there's so much mana oozing from this land.
Reina
Well can't do anything about it now don't worry no-one would have guessed it'll be like this *pats her back and assured her*
Suddenly they both heard something in that unsettling silence
Hikari
*freeze on the spot and looks at Reina* w...what was ... that?
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Midnight
Sorry for the late update ...welp...😃 my exams... it's happening...
Midnight
Idk why whenever I think to start something new and Interesting these freaking exams ruin everything 😭😭
Midnight
I won't be able to update till 27th December 🤧🤧
Midnight
BUT BUT that doesn't mean I won't do anything I'll give you some pics of my character or memes in these days (👉 someone who wants to update anything rather than nothing for a week)
Midnight
Ahenmmmm though they all will be from picrew🤧🤧 but hey I created them I have50- no 40- okay 35% contribution😅
Midnight
Enough talking now imma head out !! Byee guyss❤️
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