There was a new message from Harty. “Get on the Chatroom immediately. We will talk there.”

  Responding swiftly, she navigated her way into the virtual space where their group congregated, appearing as "CipherMystery08."

  She observed the familiar usernames in the chatroom:

  "StarlightSeeker27,"

  "EclipseDreamer14,"

  "CipherMystery08" (herself),

  "Chessmaster12" (Harty),

  "EnigmaGamer19,"

  "PixelChaos03."

  In the main chat, casual conversation flowed between the users. But as CipherMystery08, Runebelle typically remained silent. It was rare for her to ever contribute to the public discussions. This was a behavior that intrigued the other members, especially Harty.

  In private chat, Harty's username, "Chessmaster12," was the first to pop up in Runebelle's private message box.

  Chessmaster12: CipherMystery08, we need to talk.

  CipherMystery08: What's going on, Harty? Is it about those messages?

  Chessmaster12: CipherMystery08, my Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows account got hacked. I've got my suspicions, but that's a minor issue. The major problem is Shadowcroft. They've made a move. The attack on Jess was from them. Her place is a crime scene now. Risebelle was horribly injured and is in the hospital as well.

  CipherMystery08: Oh no, that's terrible! What about Jess? Is Jess okay?

  Chessmaster12: She's fine. But she's moving in with Roselle for a while, just to be safe. We've got a bigger concern. Shadowcroft is planning something big for tomorrow. They're aiming for Roselle.

  CipherMystery08: What? What are they planning to do?

  Chessmaster12: They've stepped up their game. We need to stop them. You've got to do everything you can to prevent their next move.

  CipherMystery08: I'll do whatever it takes. Where do we start?

  Chessmaster12: First, we need to figure out their strategy. I'll keep an eye on their activities online. We need to act fast.

  CipherMystery08: I'm ready. I'll keep a lookout too. We have to stop them.

  Chessmaster12: Thanks, Runebelle. This is crucial. I'll be in touch.

  Chessmaster12: We'll meet online in our chatroom tomorrow morning.

  CipherMystery08: What about our usual phone contact?

  Chessmaster12: No can do. My phone got destroyed. I’ll have to buy a new one.

  CipherMystery08: What do you mean? You sent messages minutes ago from your phone...And how did it get destroyed?

  Chessmaster12: Very Complicated stuff, I know. I'll explain tomorrow. Trust me on this.

  CipherMystery08: Alright. I'll be there in the chatroom.

  Though Harty's sudden phone trouble seemed fishy, Runebelle trusted his judgment.

  Runebelle logged out of the chat. She moved from her chair and sat on her bed.

  The situation with Shadowcroft was escalating. Her mind wandered back to the cryptic and unsettling messages she'd received earlier from the one who hacked Harty’s account. The mystery surrounding Harty's phone trouble, and the shocking revelation about Jess added a lot of pressure on her.

  She took a moment to compose herself before reaching out mentally to her Mother and Sadie.

  "Mom, Sadie... I’m feeling overwhelmed," she admitted quietly. "Tomorrow's going to be intense, and I’m not entirely sure what to expect."

  Sadie resonated in her mind with a comforting tone. "It’s okay to feel that way, Runebelle. Just remember to stay sharp and use everything you’ve learned."

  Her Mother came in her thoughts. "Yes, dear. You’ve got the strength and the skill to handle this. You’ve always been resourceful and so determined. Keep that focus, and don’t let fear cloud your judgment."

  Runebelle nodded. "Thanks, both of you. Your words mean a lot. I need to try and stay on top of things. I I can’t afford to let my guard down."

  Runebelle finally closed her eyes. She entered the world where dreams awaited.

  Runebelle stirred in her sleep on the Sunday morning. Anxious and driven by the events of the previous day, she reached for her phone almost instinctively. There were no new messaged from Harty.

  In a haze, she found herself back at her computer screen. It was only when she glanced at the time that she realized how early it was: 6 AM.

  Runebelle walked down the stairs and into her kitchen. She reached for a cereal box, pouring the contents into a bowl. She thought back to Harty and felt that something felt off.

  By 8 AM, Runebelle felt the pangs of thirst and shuffled back to the kitchen. She opened the fridge and reached for the carton of fruit juice. She tipped it over, expecting a refreshing pour, but was met with two drips. “Oh, man, who put this back in the fridge after it was finished?”

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  She scanned the kitchen with a resigned sigh, only to remember that she lived alone. The realization hit her with a small jolt of annoyance. “Well, guess I’m the only one to blame here. Gonna have to make a trip to the store later.”

  Runebelle returned to her computer. She settled into her chair and logged into the chatroom, where she waited for her fellow members to come online. One by one, the names began lighting up in the chatroom. Runebelle silently observed.

  The flurry of messages danced across the screen, recounting tales of morning routines, plans for the day, and the typical chatter that flowed between the friends who shared this virtual space.

  In the chatroom, KarateSpirit23 made an appearance.

  KarateSpirit23: Guys. I have an Announcement.

  PixelChaos03: "What's up, KarateSpirit23? You sound serious. Where’s your ‘Hiya! Mornin guys! Who is ready for a fight today’ intro?"

  KarateSpirit23: "I am serious. Today, we have a member among us who is no longer going to be a part of this group. StarlightSeeker27, also known as Roselle, has decided to leave."

  Runebelle frowned at this revelation.

  EclipseDreamer14: "Wait, what? Roselle is leaving?"

  Chessmaster12: "Why, Roselle? What happened?"

  KarateSpirit23: "Roselle is leaving because I've talked to her, and she agreed to it. She knows why. I am also Michigo for those of you that don’t know."

  EnigmaGamer19: "This is surprising. We'll miss you, Roselle."

  PixelChaos03: "Yeah, Roselle, what's going on? You're one of the original members."

  Runebelle knew her fellow detectives in the chatroom would never reveal their identities so casually.

  KarateSpirit23: "Roselle has her reasons. I just wanted to inform all of you about her decision."

  StarlightSeeker27: "I've had a great time with all of you. Thank you for the memories."

  Runebelle couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. This turn of events was unlike anything she had encountered before in the chatroom,

  Runebelle received a request from Chessmaster12 to private chat, which she promptly accepted. Harty, under the username Chessmaster12, appeared on her screen.

  CipherMystery08: "Harty, what is going on here?"

  Chessmaster12: "I wish I knew, Runebelle. I'm as shocked as you are."

  CipherMystery08: "This doesn't seem like a Michigo move. It goes against her character. It's too abrupt."

  Chessmaster12: "I know, but Michigo is the only one who had this account name."

  Runebelle pondered the situation. ‘Harty is usually ahead of the game…’

  CipherMystery08: "Michigo has been missing since yesterday, according to your texts. Why would she suddenly do this?"

  Chessmaster12: "I can't think of a reason, but it has to be the real Michigo."

  CipherMystery08: "Why are you so sure it's her? What makes you believe it's really Michigo?"

  Chessmaster12: "I understand your doubts, Runebelle. But Michigo, she was the one given that account. It's hard to imagine anyone else taking over."

  CipherMystery08: "True, it just doesn't add up. This sudden departure is not like her at all. Have you tried reaching out to her directly?"

  Chessmaster12: "I've been attempting to contact her, but there's been no response. It's unsettling."

  CipherMystery08: "It's concerning, especially considering the circumstances. Something feels off about this."

  Chessmaster12: "Absolutely. I'm digging into it. Maybe she'll pop up and clear this confusion."

  CipherMystery08: "Harty, do you think there's any possibility of an imposter pretending to be you as well?"

  Chessmaster12: "No way. I'm the only one who has control over this account. Plus, I'm not going anywhere."

  CipherMystery08: "I'm not implying you're leaving, Harty, but this situation is just too strange."

  CipherMystery08: "What's even more bizarre is that this imposter revealed Roselle and Michigo’s real names..."

  Chessmaster12: "That's exactly what's bothering me."

  CipherMystery08: "You don't think anyone in our group could be responsible, do you?"

  Harty's response was swift and unyielding.

  Chessmaster12: "No, Runebelle. I trust our group. This isn't something any of us would do."

  Chessmaster12: “Wait…Runebelle, did you just imply that we have a traitor among us?"

  Runebelle took a deep breath before forming her reply.

  CipherMystery08: "It’s a huge possibility right now, considering everything that's happened. This sudden change with Roselle and Michigo... it's too suspicious."

  Chessmaster12: “Accusing someone without concrete evidence could lead us astray. I want us to be certain before we start pointing fingers."

  CipherMystery08: "I agree. Evidence is crucial. We need to investigate thoroughly before jumping to conclusions."

  Chessmaster12: “If you notice anything unusual, let me know right away."

  Runebelle eyed the screen with folded arms and narrowed eyes for a minute, then began typing again.

  CipherMystery08: “Hey Harty, you mentioned Shadowcroft making a move today. Do you have any more information on that?"

  Chessmaster12: "I can't divulge all the details, but it's a serious threat. They've been escalating their activities, and we need to be prepared."

  CipherMystery08: "Harty, is there something you're not telling me? It feels like you're holding back."

  Harty took a minute before responding.

  Chessmaster12: "Runebelle, there are things I can't share because they involve sensitive information. It's for your safety."

  CipherMystery08: "I get that, Harty, but we've always been transparent with each other. What's changed?"

  Chessmaster12: "It's not that I don't trust you, Runebelle. It's just that this situation is more complex than usual."

  CipherMystery08: "Harty…. you've never held back like this before. Are you sure you're okay? Are you in trouble?"

  Harty's response came in quick.

  Chessmaster12: "I'm fine, Runebelle. We have to focus on Shadowcroft right now. Let's not dwell on this."

  Runebelle thought, ‘Something's wrong here….’

  Roselle reached out to her Mother and Sadie within her mind. "Mom, I need your take on something. Harty’s acting weird, and Roselle's sudden departure is raising red flags. What do you think?"

  Her Mother replied. “It’s definitely strange, Runebelle. Harty’s secrecy and Roselle’s abrupt exit don’t align with their usual behavior. It sounds like something bigger might be at play. You know how I always say: trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is."

  Sadie’s response came swiftly afterwards. “Runebelle, this whole situation is definitely off. Harty’s secretiveness combined with Roselle’s sudden departure screams something’s wrong. It’s not just the odd behavior—it’s how it all ties together. Shadowcroft is making moves, and now this? I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of someone manipulating the group from within.”

  Runebelle nodded thoughtfully. “Alright, I’ll just have to keep a close eye on everything. I can’t ignore these red flags.”

  CipherMystery08: "Harty, we are talking about Shadowcroft, you know? You and I need to be on the same page here.”

  Chessmaster12: "You know, Runebelle, we make such an amazing team. We work together flawlessly. It's like fate brought us together."

  Runebelle blinked at her screen.

  CipherMystery08: "Harty, what are you talking about? This is a serious situation. Focus, please."

  Chessmaster12: "Runebelle, I think we should be more than just partners in this detective work. We'd make an unbeatable couple, don't you think?"

  Runebelle’s face flushed a deep red.

  CipherMystery08: “Harty, what are you talking about? This is way off the mark. We have more pressing issues right now.”

  Chessmaster12: “Come on, Runebelle. Can’t we have a little personal with the professional? I think we’d be an amazing team, both in and out of the detective world. How about a date sometime soon? “

  Runebelle’s jaw dropped as she read the message. It felt too much, even for Harty. She typed back quickly, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

  CipherMystery08: “Harty, this is really out of character for you. These messages seem way too much even for you. We need to focus on Shadowcroft, not… this.”

  Chessmaster12: “Oh, come on, Runebelle! I’m serious. I think we have a real connection, don’t you? It’s not just about Shadowcroft—it’s about us. Didn’t you feel anything from our first kiss?”

  Runebelle’s eyes widened. ‘W-Wait… First kiss… This isn't Harty. It's a Doppelganger!’