Risebelle:

System Status: Offline

Lifeforce: 5%

Magic: 30%

Cannon Charge: 15%

Timer: N/A

Location: Unknown

Threat Assessment: N/A

Project Z.A.B Data Collection: 35% Complete

In the realm of her mind, Risebelle's virtual consciousness found itself once again in the presence of her System. She felt a profound sense of accomplishment and yet a lingering exhaustion from her recent battle against Mystimona, the formidable mage who had pushed her.

"System, bring up the data on my recent battle with Mystimona. I need to analyze the events leading up to my shutdown."

"Acknowledged, Project ZAB."

The System complied with her request and holographic displays materialized around Risebelle. They showed a repeat of the battle. She reviewed the moment when she had watched Roselle temporarily utilize the Project Mage transformation, her own valiant attempt that had inflicted significant damage, and the ultimate victory she had achieved after her temporary transformation.

While Risebelle was examining the data, her thoughts drifted to the moment just before her shutdown, when she had heard Kintovar saying something. She couldn't recall the exact words, but the memory was etched in her consciousness.

"System, retrieve the audio data of Kintovar's voice just before my shutdown. I want to analyze it."

The System complied, and the holographic displays shifted to show a waveform of Kintovar's last words. Risebelle strained to remember the context of those words.

"Risebelle," the holographic representation of Kintovar echoed, "you have completed your mission. You have exceeded my expectations."

Risebelle's heart swelled with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. The memory of completing her mission, the destruction of the Magical Academy, and the pleading moments of the Headmaster brought a twisted sense of joy to her.

"System, show me the data of my mission completion, the destruction of the Magical Academy," Risebelle requested, eager to revisit that significant moment in her memory.

The holographic displays shifted once again, this time showing a playback of Risebelle's mission. She watched with a smirk seeing herself executing each step with precision, her actions leading to the destruction of the academy. The pleading Headmaster's moments played out. Risebelle's smirk transformed itself into a wide grin. "Serves her right. I just wish I could have delivered the finishing blow myself."

"Project Z.A.B, while these memories may bring you a sense of accomplishment, they are also part of the cycle that perpetuates your hatred for humans. Would you like to explore a different memory fragment, one that may offer a new perspective?"

Risebelle's face of enjoyment changed within a heartbeat. She responded to the System's suggestion with a disdainful look. "System, I don't want to see another one of those memory fragments right now! I want to savor this moment. This is the joy of victory. It's a rare emotion for me, and I refuse to let you taint it with another one of your stupid lessons!"

The System's remained calm and patient. It tried to reason with Risebelle. "Project Z.A.B, I understand your desire to relish this moment, but I must emphasize the importance of exploring different perspectives. It's through understanding and empathy that one can overcome hatred and find a path towards growth and change."

Risebelle's face contorted with frustration and anger, but she couldn't deny the logic in the System's words.

"System, you drive me mad," Risebelle grumbled. She realized that the System was taking her towards a different path, one that challenged her own thoughts. With a reluctant sigh, Risebelle finally relented. "Fine, System, show me the new memory fragment. But I won't promise that it will change anything."

The System responded with understanding. "Thank you, Project Z.A.B. Let us proceed."

Risebelle found herself once again immersed in the memory of the Silver Star Arcade, standing frozen as Jess called out to her.

She watched as Jess approached her. In that moment she appeared as if she were just staring off into space.

“Earth to Captain Risebelle, why are you just standing there? They're getting away!"

Risebelle’s consciousness was fully engaged in the memory, and she couldn't help but respond, "Jess, wait! I...we can't just let them go!"

Before she could act, she felt Jess's arms wrap around her. Jess lifted her up in a piggyback ride. The surprise of the moment forced Risebelle to blush.

"Hold on tight, princess," Jess teased with playful charm. "We’ve got some moving to do. Don’t worry, if you wanna daydream, go right ahead. I’ll be your legs."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Harty and Jess stealthily followed the group deeper into the arcade. They found themselves in a hidden part of the establishment. There were faint sounds of electronic games and people whispering around all around them.

Jess leaned in close to Harty and whispered. "Harty, this place gives me the creeps. It's like a hidden world within the arcade."

Harty nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "I know what you mean, Jess. It's strange how secluded this area is. We should keep our distance and stay hidden."

The trio they were following consisted of the doppelganger, the well-dressed boy, and Sarah. They did not seem to notice the group. Harty and Jess discreetly trailed behind, doing their best to blend in with the sparse crowd.

They walked deeper into the hidden section of the arcade. They passed by various old and outdated arcade machines. Some were even covered in dust and others with spider webs.

Jess couldn't help but comment on the oddity of the situation. "Harty, have you ever seen this part of the arcade? It's like a time capsule from a different era."

Harty shook his head, his attention focused on the trio ahead. "No, Jess, this is definitely unique. But we need to stay focused on them. We're getting closer to finding out what they're up to."

As they continued to follow the group, they reached a point where the doppelganger, the well-dressed boy, and Sarah stopped in front of a large, old-fashioned arcade machine. It appeared to be out of order, with a faded "Out of Service" sign hanging from it.

Harty and Jess discreetly hid behind another machine, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation between the trio. They strained their ears to catch any fragments of the conversation.

The doppelganger spoke first, "We're almost there. This is where we access the hidden passage."

Sarah trembled, "I can't believe I'm doing this....."

As Sarah moved to adjust her dress, the doppelganger glanced around the barely lit area, her eyes narrowing as if sensing something was amiss. After a thorough scan, she moved toward a particular spot, her body language tensing up.

“Wait, Sarah.”

To Harty, Risebelle and Jess's surprise, she discovered an arcade employee attempting to discreetly spy on their conversation. She approached them with a scowl.

"Like, seriously? You think you can just, like, eavesdrop on our convo? Totes not cool, dude."

The employee stepped out from his hiding spot and grinned. "Rosebelle, you know I was just messing around. We're friends, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just don't do it again."

"Alright, Rosebelle, I won't spy on your secret meetings anymore. Have fun, you mysterious folks."

Harty and Jess exchanged glances, intrigued by the unexpected interaction between Rosebelle and the arcade employee.

Risebelle couldn't contain her surprise when she heard the name "Rosebelle." The similarity to "Roselle," her younger sister in the other world, caught her off guard. Without thinking, she blurted out,

"Rosebelle?!" The name escaped her lips in shock and confusion.

Unfortunately, her outburst immediately drew the attention of Rosebelle and the others in the hidden area of the arcade. They turned to look in the direction of the sound.

Jess's eyes widened. She quickly realized that Risebelle messed up. She whispered urgently, "Risebelle, you just blew our cover!"

Harty and Jess quickly assessed the situation, realizing that they were now exposed to Rosebelle and her companions. They had lost the element of surprise, and the mysterious trio had their full attention.

Risebelle gritted her teeth, frustrated by the unintended consequence of her outburst.

“We need to run...” Harty said urgently. Harty’s words a snapped her back to the reality of the situation. They needed to escape, and fast.

Harty and Jess made a move to retreat, but found themselves in a disorienting situation. The passage they had followed to reach this hidden area seemed to have disappeared, leaving them trapped within the confines of the arcade. It was as if the way back had vanished, leaving them with no clear exit.

Harty and Jess exchanged panicked glances, realizing that they were now cut off from their retreat. Rosebelle and her companions were closing in.

The well-dressed boy could be heard in the disorienting maze of the hidden arcade.

"It's no use," he declared with an air of confidence. "You're trapped here, just like the others."

Harty and Jess exchanged just realized just how badly they were screwed. They were now at the mercy of Rosebelle and her companions.

“We knew someone would try to eavesdrop on us sooner or later, specifically you lot. That's why we came prepared. Now, you find yourselves in a situation from which there is no escape."

Harty swallowed hard, gathering his courage. "How could you know? Who are you?"

The boy stepped into view. He wore a face of amusement. "Names aren’t important right now, are they?"

As he spoke, he pulled Sarah closer to him. The fear painted on her only confirmed the dire predicament that Harty, Risebelle and Jess were in.

Rosebelle's tone cut through the tense atmosphere dully, "Enough dilly-dallying. We should like, get moving to the real spot now."

Sarah was shaking in her boots. She said, "This wasn't the real spot?"

Rosebelle rolled her eyes, her impatience evident. "Like, duh, Sarah. This was just a decoy. We totes don't want anyone finding out about our secret hideout, you know?"

The well-dressed boy chimed in with a sinister smirk, "Exactly. And now that our unexpected guests are here, we can't let them leave and spill the beans, can we?"

The well-dressed boy's command was short and ominous: "Lights out."

In an instant, the dim lights of the hidden arcade section blinked out, plunging the area into further darkness. Harty and Jess felt a growing sense of unease. They were standing in the pitch-black maze, disoriented and trapped.

Moments later, when the lights flickered back on, the trio of Rosebelle, the well-dressed boy, and Sarah had vanished without a trace. Panic and confusion swept over Risebelle, Jess, and Harty. There was no sign of an exit, and they were left alone in the eerie, hidden arcade, surrounded by shadows and uncertainty.

Risebelle cleared her throat and addressed Jess, her tone serious despite a blush on her face.

"Jess, I think it's time to put me down. We need to figure out how to get out of here, and I need to think properly."

Jess responded with a flirtatious tone, "Aw, come on, Risebelle, you're not heavy at all. Besides, carrying you gives me a great excuse to hold you close. Your hair smells amazing, you know that? And those eyes, I could get lost in them forever. Just a little longer, please? I’m really enjoying this."

Risebelle's cheeks became red. "Jess, seriously, we need to—"

But Jess kept on, leaning in closer. "Did I mention how stunning you look? And honestly, feeling your heartbeat against mine is kinda making my day."

Risebelle had enough. With a sudden motion, she raised her hand and smacked Jess on the head to force her to release her from the piggyback ride.

Jess let out a surprised yelp. She stumbled forward, no longer supporting Risebelle on her back.

Risebelle crossed her arms and shot Jess a glare with her eyes lowered. "If you spent half as much energy on figuring out our escape as you do on flirting, we'd be out of here by now. Next time, I’m carrying you, just so I can drop you when you start spouting nonsense."

Jess chuckled. "You're no fun, Risebelle. But you're right; we should figure out how to get out of here."

Harty nodded in agreement. “This…is going to be a challenge.”