Amidst the swarm of Chloe's fans, Roselle and Runebelle were met with eager and excited faces.

"Hey, you're new here, right? I haven't seen you before."

Roselle responded "Yeah, we're pretty new. Just got our Goth status today."

"That's awesome! Chloe must have taken a liking to you."

Runebelle responded "It seems that way."

The fans continued to bombard them with questions and praise. Roselle and Runebelle found themselves surrounded by enthusiastic admirers, all curious about their journey into this dark and enchanting world.

Roselle leaned closer to who she thought was Runebelle and whispered, "We need to find a way to get past all of these people."

To her surprise, a child Goth girl turned around and said, "What?"

Roselle, momentarily caught off guard, blinked. “Oh, I thought you were someone else.”

The child Goth girl tilted her head curiously. “Who did you think I was?”

Roselle quickly recovered her composure. “I was just trying to find a way to navigate through the crowd. But um…. how did you get your hair like that? It looks really cool.”

The child Goth girl’s eyes brightened with stars entering them. “Thanks! My parents helped me with it. They use this special dye that changes color in the dark. It's perfect for the Goth parties. Do you like it?”

Roselle nodded enthusiastically. “It’s really unique. I haven’t seen anything like it before.”

The child Goth girl smiled broadly. “I can show you how to get some if you want! It’s a lot of fun to experiment with.”

Roselle shook her head with a friendly smile. “Maybe later. We’ve got something we need to take care of right now.”

With that, she waved goodbye and pushed through the crowd, making her way towards Runebelle, who was already several paces ahead.

Roselle, navigating the sea of Goths flailed her arms. “Runebelle, don’t leave me!” she called out.

Runebelle, engrossed in her surroundings, was too far ahead to hear her sister’s plea.

After a minute, Roselle finally caught up. “You seem more enthusiastic about this than I am,” she said with a hint of frustration and relief.

Runebelle, still looking gloomy, glanced at Roselle and said, “I thought you were right behind me.”

Roselle grabbed her hand firmly. “There, this way, we don’t lose each other,” she said, guiding them through the throng of Goths.

Chloe stood ahead, taking autographs and smiling at her adoring fans. The closer Roselle and Runebelle got, the more intense the crowd became. They had to have some patience to make their way to the front.

After what seemed like an hour, they finally reached the front of the stage where Chloe was signing autographs. Roselle and Runebelle found themselves in the midst of a crowd with varying questions.

A young Goth girl leaned in and asked excitedly, "Chloe, what song are you going to play for us today?"

A nearby guy said, "Hey, any new magic tricks up your sleeve, Chloe?"

Another curious fan inquired, "Are you planning a special performance, like a play or something?"

Chloe smiled at her fans, soaking in their enthusiasm.

Chloe, the Gothic queen of the domain, skillfully balanced her interactions with her eager fans. She responded to each question and comment with charm and poise.

To the girl inquiring about the song, Chloe said, "I've prepared something special today, something that'll send shivers down your spine."

To the guy asking about magic tricks, she winked and replied, "Oh, you'll be in for a treat. My magic has a darker edge today."

And to the fan wondering about a performance, she smiled mysteriously and said, "A little bit of everything, my friend. You'll have to wait and see."

Chloe continued to sign autographs, take pictures, and chat with the fans.

Roselle and Runebelle finally made it to the front of the crowd. They finally had their chance to speak to Chloe.

"Chloe," Roselle began, "we really want to meet Jayla. We heard she's here, but we haven't had a chance to talk to her yet."

Runebelle added, "Yes, it's really important to us. We're fans of both of you, and meeting Jayla would mean the world to us."

Chloe flashed a knowing smile. "I see you're quite eager. Alright, I can take you to her. Follow me."

As Chloe started to lead the way, some of the fans around them grumbled. They complained, "Chloe, don't go yet. We want more time with you!"

Ignoring the complaints, Chloe continued to guide Roselle and Runebelle.

Chloe led Roselle and Runebelle back to the throne room, where she made a chilling announcement, "You two are Roselle and Runebelle. They came with Kintovar, Mystimona, and Haras." She had a sly smile while continuing, "I intended to have pinatas made out of their friends too, but I suppose this will do."

She opened a dark portal, and to the sisters' shock, Kintovar emerged, tied up and struggling. Mystimona followed, but he was sound asleep. Suddenly, Haras fell from the portal, landing on top of Kintovar.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Roselle, filled with concern, asked, "Kintovar, what happened? Are you okay?"

Kintovar, still bound, seemed to get an idea.

Kintovar, still bound and struggling, looked up with a sudden glint of realization in her eyes. “I finally get it!” she exclaimed. “The answer is 69. That’s what this domain is shaped like. I went through my calculations, my equations, and my entire mathematical framework—”

She began to list off an incomprehensible series of mathematical terms and theories. Her explanation was so convoluted and esoteric that even the most educated in the room found themselves lost in the labyrinth of numbers and theories she was presenting.

When Kintovar finally stopped, the room fell into a stunned silence. Roselle and Runebelle exchanged baffled glances.

Chloe, with an amused and satisfied grin, stepped forward and clapped her hands. “Bravo, Kintovar! You’ve actually figured out the riddle. Too bad you found out only after you failed the test.” Her tone was both congratulatory and mocking.

Kintovar muttered, “I can’t believe someone was able to outsmart a scientific genius like me. This domain truly is a puzzle beyond my expectations.”

Chloe’s grin widened. She snapped her fingers and freed Kintovar from the bindings“Well, you’re not the only one who’s had a challenge. But isn’t it fun to be part of something so…unexpected?”

Chloe's eyes darted from one person to the next. Everyone seemed to be tense. Chloe put on a face of disdain. "Why did you all come here in search of Jayla? I want the truth. Do not lie to me… Did you come here to kill her?"

Kintovar adjusted her sunglasses with a hint of unease. Roselle, her forehead damp with sweat and teeth gritted, stared at Chloe nervously. Runebelle, unable to hold eye contact, kept her gaze averted. Mystimona remained sound asleep, unaware of the tension around him. Haras, with her hand subtly close to her pink lab coat pocket, was poised as if ready to draw her weapon at any moment.

Before anyone made an act against her, Chloe moved one hand up to the side of her face and said, "You all arrived at a bad time if you were looking for Jayla. She left for East Jancito. She hasn't shared her plans with anyone yet, but there's a tournament going on there. Jayla wants to collect the Goddess items for herself. Since obtaining the Star Jewel, her ambitions have grown, and she desires more Artifacts, more domain control, and an expanded domain. I'm afraid you came all this way only to be left disappointed. Queen Jayla is not here."

Kintovar adjusted her sunglasses once more, contemplating their next steps in this quest while also responding. “It is a shame, indeed, but the information is valuable. With knowledge of the tournament and Jayla's location, I think it's time for us to head to East Jancito. We can't afford to miss this opportunity."

Chloe raised an eyebrow and inquired, "Do you plan to participate in the tournament as well? If you do, I wish you good luck. Jayla, in her current state, is an unstoppable force."

Kintovar smiled confidently and said, "We'll see about that. I'll be the judge of her strength."

Chloe, with a wave of her hand, conjured a dark portal of energy. The portal's depths seemed to swallow the room, and its inky blackness emitted a strange, alluring aura. She turned to the group and said, "This portal will take you directly back to the upper level of North Jancito. I hope you had a good time here."

Chloe's gaze lingered on Roselle and Runebelle. Roselle, with a feigned smile, said, "We had a great time here, Chloe. Thank you for everything."

Runebelle tried to add some cheer to her tone and speak, "Yes, it was an experience we won't forget."

With a wave of her hand, Chloe reversed the transformation, restoring Roselle and Runebelle to their regular appearances. The swirling portal awaited them, ready to transport them back to the upper level of North Jancito.

With their appearances returned to normal, Roselle hoisted the unconscious Mystimona onto her back, and the group made their way back to the stairs that led to the lower levels of North Jancito. After her guests left, Chloe chuckled. “I wish you could have stayed for my performance," she said with a hint of dark amusement. "But I have a feeling your little heads would've... 'Exploded.' Safe travels."

Chloe watched through a dark orb and saw the group ascending the stairs, disappearing from the realm of domains and leaving behind a world of darkness.

Back in North Jancito, the group realized that they had spent most of the day in Jayla’s domain. Haras turned to Kintovar and said with a nervous grin, "Hey, Kintovar, can you do me a favor? Um…Promise that we won't venture into any more dark places like that again. I almost got cut in half by those ghosts."

Kintovar chuckled softly and replied, “I can't promise you that. Those spirits were conjured using dark magic. In the world of dark arts, there are those who delve into the forbidden territory of undead magic. Sometimes, we have to face these dangers in our pursuit of knowledge and power."

The group settled into Alden's Cabin for the night. The warm and cozy atmosphere enveloped them. Although Alden was still away, his wife and their 7-year-old daughter, Sally, extended a warm welcome. After a satisfying dinner, Kintovar's gaze wandered to her makeshift lab, where Risebelle remained within the tank.

Kintovar turned to Haras and inquired, "Haras, how's the progress on Risebelle's recovery? Any signs of improvement?"

Haras sighed, heavy with concern. "I've tried everything, Kintovar, but it seems the damage left by Dark Whirlwind's attack is causing a lot of problems. The only way to fix her might be through a PCR."

Kintovar furrowed her brows, seeking clarification. "PCR? What does that stand for?"

Haras explained, "PCR stands for Personality Composition Restoration. It's a patch that adds a new personality to Risebelle to fill the gap left by Dark Whirlwind's actions. Essentially, it's a way to restore her missing aspects and heal the damage done."

Kintovar nodded and responded, "Using a PCR might lead to a shift in her personality, and I've developed something similar called the PDR - Personality Duplication and Restoration. But I've been hesitant to use it on Risebelle."

Haras grinned and teased, "Well, Kintovar, your acronyms are still sillier than mine, I have to admit."

Kintovar nodded and raised one finger. "You're right, but Haras, the effectiveness is what matters most. But this is a significant decision we need to make. Do we use the PDR on Risebelle and test its effects, or do we pursue another avenue?"

Haras chimed in energetically, "Kintovar, you know we won't get anything done if we keep hesitating. Let's make a choice and move forward."

Deep in thought, the two of them considered the options before them, knowing that their decision could have a profound impact on Risebelle's future.

Roselle and Runebelle descended the stairs to the makeshift lab. Ttey shared the news with Kintovar. Roselle spoke first, "Mystimona is conscious now, but he's mad. Really ‘REALLY’ mad that he missed the chance to fight Jayla."

Kintovar raised one hand up to her forehead and replied, "I'm quite upset about the situation myself."

Kintovar' worked on the new part to fill the hole in her body. Roselle curiously inquired, "What are you doing, Dr.Kintovar?"

Kintovar looked up from her work and replied, "I'm going to repair your big sister, Roselle. I've made the decision, and I'm going to fix her one way or another. Just be prepared, though. Her personality might be slightly altered after this."

"Altered? What do you mean by that?"

Kintovar merely smiled mysteriously, leaving Roselle with anticipation and curiosity about what would change in Risebelle's personality.

Kintovar's tireless efforts culminated in success at midnight. She carefully adjusted the size of the PDR, and with a triumphant shout, she exclaimed, "AHA! I've got it just right!" Placing the PDR in Risebelle's body, she watched with anticipation.

The system briefly flickered to life, which lead to a moment of excitement. But then, it shut off again, leaving Kintovar and the others in the lab with a tense silence.

Frustration boiled within Kintovar. The systems were still showing the same damage signs. She muttered under her breath, "There's obviously something wrong..."

Carefully, she inspected the PDR. Her eyes widened. She saw the mistake. The settings were upside down, so they were working in reverse. With deep sigh, she adjusted positioning of the settings and then reactivated it, Risebelle's systems finally came back online.

Kintovar muttered to herself, "I can't believe I missed that. It's always the little things."

Kintovar warmly greeted her creation as her eyes flickered open.

"Welcome back, Risebelle."