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Chapter 295: FLF: Fragments of the Forgotten Smile 24

  "How did you find the test, Runebelle,” Mr.Daven asked.

  Runebelle hesitated briefly, but then said, "It felt rather unusual, not like our usual tests. There were questions related to fantasy, video games, and even Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows. I've never encountered such a combination of questions before."

  The Teacher's lips curled into a faint smile. "This test was different from the norm. It wasn't just a test of academic knowledge; it was designed to reveal where your motivations and interests lie."

  Runebelle's eyes widened in surprise. "Motivations and interests? What's the purpose behind such a test?"

  The Teacher leaned in slightly. “The purpose, Runebelle, is to identify students who possess a particular set of skills and interests, especially in areas like fantasy, video games, and Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows."

  Runebelle furrowed her brow. "And why would the school be interested in students with those interests?"

  The Teacher remained gentle yet full of purpose. "Because, Runebelle, we have a unique opportunity for a job offer. One that is directly related to the world of Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows. If a student demonstrates the right skills and passion, they could find themselves involved in a rather remarkable endeavor."

  Runebelle's eyes widened with astonishment. "A opportunity for a job offer? In Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows?"

  Mr.Daven nodded. “It’s a special arrangement we have, and your performance in this test will indicate if you possess the skills and interests necessary for this role."

  Runebelle was left with a whirlwind of thoughts as she considered this revelation.

  The Teacher's words filled the air with anticipation. "I'll have to finalize the marks for all the students, but I have every reason to believe you'll do exceptionally well, Runebelle. Keep up the good work."

  Runebelle nodded. With a grateful smile, she said, "Thank you, sir. I'll be waiting to hear more."

  With that, she left the classroom.

  Runebelle walked out of the classroom, she immediately began to process Mr. Daven’s offer. She needed to talk to her mother and Sadie to get their perspectives on this surprising development.

  Runebelle entered the realms of her mind and questioned her Mother and Sadie who were part of her conscious. ‘Mom, Sadie, what do you think about Mr. Daven?’

  Her mother was calm but thoughtful. ‘It sounds like Mr. Daven sees potential in you, Runebelle. This could be a significant opportunity, especially given your interest in the forum and your recent experiences, but Shadowcroft’s influence is widespread. It’s probably worth investigating whether this offer is genuine or another layer of their web.’

  Sadie’s tone was filled with concern. ‘This job offer might be a real chance to delve deeper into the mysteries you’re facing, but we need to ensure it’s not a trap.’

  After the test, Runebelle met with Milanna. Her heart sank immediately. She took a deep breath and said, “I’m here.”

  "I can't believe you actually came, Runebelle," Milanna said with a grin. "But you should know, there's no turning back. Shadowcroft is merciless. If I'm here, it means that they've already dealt with Milaca. You can’t be that dumb, can you?"

  Runebelle's eyes welled with tears “No... You’re…You’re lying…You have to be..."

  Milanna glared at Runebelle "Don't come near me again, Runebelle. We're no longer friends. I'm leaving you behind. Don’t bother coming to the club either."

  Runebelle was at a loss for words. She watched as Milanna turned and walked away, leaving Runebelle standing there, heartbroken.

  The minutes felt like an eternity. The recent revelations played out in her mind over and over. Her usual gloom was now deeper.

  Her mother sounded within her mind. "I'm sorry, my dear. I wish I could protect you from these moments."

  Sadie’s joined in the chorus of thoughts. "It's not your fault, Runebelle. None of this was something you could’ve seen coming since way back then. You didn’t even know Shadowcroft existed at the time."

  Runebelle began to sob. "It's all so sad, every part of it. My life, this...this fusion."

  Runebelle sank to the ground with tears streaming down her face

  Her mother broke through her anguish. “Oh, my dear, I know it feels unbearable right now. I wish I could be there to hold you and make it all better."

  Runebelle wiped her eyes. “So that's it then... they killed Milaca, replaced her with Milanna and now that she's been exposed, she wants to treat me like garbage... She's just a shadowcroft pawn!”

  Sadie’s cut through Runebelle’s despair. ‘ Runebelle, I know this is hard to hear, but maybe Milaca isn’t gone for good. Don’t let yourself be consumed by grief just yet. ‘

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  Runebelle's tears continued to flow, but she listened intently. ‘You really think so? It’s hard to believe anything positive right now.’

  Sadie spoke with caution.’ I wouldn’t get your hopes up too high, but we shouldn’t dismiss the possibility entirely. Shadowcroft has their ways, and things are rarely as they seem. The truth might be more complex than it appears. It’s important to keep an open mind while being wary of false hopes.’

  Runebelle took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.” You’re right. I can’t let myself be completely crushed by this. I have to stay focused and figure out what’s really going on.”

  Her mother said gently, ‘Don’t forget, you have a meeting to get to soon.’

  Runebelle nodded, wiping her eyes. “Yeah, I know. I’m meeting with Risebelle. I can’t be the crybaby Runebelle anymore. Now, I have to be the sleuth of shadows.”

  Runebelle hurriedly made her way to the Silver Star Arcade.

  In the bathroom of the Silver Star Arcade, Runebelle began to transform herself. She swiftly changed out of her school uniform and into her distinctive Sleuth of Shadows attire. Her blue and pink hair were now styled into puffball and she wore a multicolored shirt.

  While looking in the mirror, Runebelle noticed that the sadness in her face had become a constant. She stretched her lips into a grin, but the sadness that lingered in her eyes remained stubbornly evident. She tried to summon other emotions—confidence, shock and even excitement, but each attempt was overshadowed by a gloom.

  Runebelle took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. “I guess I’ll have to project myself like this…” When she exited the bathroom, she saw Roselle and Risebelle in the Silver Star Arcade. She noticed the curious looks they exchanged when they saw her.

  With a slight nod, Runebelle addressed the two. "Hello. You must be Risebelle and... Roselle."

  Roselle gasped and raised one hand up over her mouth. “I’m Roselle…but how do you know me? I’m getting some Deja vu…”

  Runebelle acknowledged this with a solemn nod."You don't know me, but I know you. Call me Sadie." She allowed a brief pause before adding, "Sadie."

  At this moment, Runebelle felt a gentle presence within her mind. It was Sadie herself. "Are you stealing my name for this?"

  Runebelle responded. “You know, Harty mentioned being cautious about revealing our real names to people we meet online. I thought it might be for the best, considering this is related to the game. I don’t want to risk much without being sure.”

  Sadie's resonated gently in Runebelle's thoughts. "You're right to be cautious. It's wise not to divulge too much until we’re sure. Alright, I approve, sister. Keep the conversation rolling, and let's see how it goes."

  The group entered a hidden section of the arcade. Risebelle shivered upon arriving to the location. “This place... it's where I saw Rosebelle for the first time. And it's where we got trapped, too. How do you know about this part of the arcade, Sadie?"

  Sadie's melancholic gaze remained fixed on them. "I've been here before, investigating similar incidents. It seems that this place holds some secrets related to the doppelgangers. But don't worry, I'm here to help you both make sense of it all."

  Runebelle's Mother chimed in. "Well, actually, Runebelle stumbled upon this place by accident. I don’t think she's had the chance to mention it to you, Sadie. You know, sometimes these moments are pretty peculiar."

  Sadie’s response emerged in Runebelle’s mind with a touch of surprise. “You don't say…”

  Runebelle responded to both in her thoughts. "I had to keep things moving, you know? Even if it meant stumbling into places by accident, at least it led us to this moment."

  Runebelle focused back on the two girls infront of her and explained. "Listen carefully, because what I'm about to tell you is crucial. There's a sinister organization called Shadowcroft, and they operate under the guise of a lending company. In reality, they're nothing more than soul harvesters. Once you fall into their trap and sign a contract, they own you, and they can change the terms at their will, making escape nearly impossible."

  She paused for a moment before continuing, "Recently, Shadowcroft has shifted their focus. They're not just interested in lending anymore; they've taken up a more sinister agenda. They've started abducting and replacing people, and I've been tracking their activities. My investigation led me to you, Roselle and Risebelle, and that's why I'm here today."

  Runebelle’s eyes held a sense of urgency. "I don't know why they want you, but if Shadowcroft gets their hands on you, you'll vanish without a trace. We have to find out their motives and put an end to their sinister operation."

  Roselle and Risebelle exchanged glances amoung each other. Runebelle continued. "And about Rosebelle... Rosebelle is intended to be the replacement, the merging of both Roselle and Risebelle into one person. It might seem impossible, but Shadowcroft has an uncanny ability to manipulate events and orchestrate circumstances that make the impossible seem plausible."

  Risebelle's eyes widened. "I thought those events were just coincidences or misunderstandings, but now it all makes sense. They were setting us up to be their next target."

  Roselle looked fearful momentarily. She shook off the shivers, then said, "We can't let that happen. We have to find a way to stop Shadowcroft and protect ourselves and our identities.

  Runebelle's Mother chimed in within her mind. "This fusion of Roselle and Risebelle... do you believe what you are saying is true?"

  Runebelle's thoughts raced. “I can find proof, Mom. I'll make sure we have concrete evidence to back up my claims. We can't leave any room for doubt."

  Sadie spoke next in Runebelle’s mind with pride.“You’re thinking like a real detective, Runebelle. This is exactly how we need to approach this.”

  Runebelle’s mother responded. “It seems my daughter might be borrowing some of your detective skills, Sadie. It’s in her nature to piece things together like this.”

  While Runebelle continued to explain, Risebelle's sense of urgency grew. She abruptly stood up. "I need to go and talk to Harty about this. He needs to know what's going on."

  Risebelle took off. Roselle tried to stop her, but said, "Let her go, Roselle. You're the one I really need to talk to."

  Roselle looked puzzled. "But why me?".

  Runebelle's Mother spoke in Runebelle’s mind with confusion. "I don't understand why you're singling her out. What's your plan here, Runebelle?"

  Sadie's presence murmured gently, “I see where you're heading with this.”

  Runebelle could sense the perplexed of Roselle. She was forming a plan in her mind, but she needed more assurance. She mentally reached out to Sadie. “Sadie, can you help me tap into your memories? I need to see what you've witnessed before the fusion. I remember you said something about the schematics for Roselle and Risebelle, but only you saw them. I wasn’t able to."

  Sadie responded. "I knew you'd ask for that. I'll guide you through my memories. Be prepared; it's not easy to watch."

  With Sadie's guidance, Runebelle delved into the recesses of her own mind, but on the side where Sadie’s memories were located. She saw these memories as if they were her own. She was now able to see the schematics, descriptions of how Roselle and Risebelle were connected, their shared traits, and what made fusion possible between the two of them.

  Yet, amidst the whirlwind of information, a new, unexpected piece of data surfaced. Sadie's thoughts gently whispered to Runebelle, "There's one more, Runebelle. The third piece of the puzzle: 'Mrs. Magenta.'"

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