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4. The Turning Point

Needless to say, Alice didn’t sleep well that night. Whenever Alice closed her eyes, she saw the Devil’s desiccated body and the plain black text sprawled across the sky, the mechanical voice ringing in her head. She’d tried to fall asleep three times, and each time she’d woken up in a panic, drenched in sweat. After a while, she’d given up entirely, musing over the message she’d received.

//[Perseverance] - The cause of battle, a warrior must learn how to resist pain! Capable of ignoring injuries and pushing through to achieve victory, it is the ultimate representation of never giving up!

[Independence] - The string of fate does not constrict you any more! Free as the wind, wild as a beast, no force on this world can force you to obey them. Forge your own path with will!

Blocking the messages from her mind for the time being, Alice exhaled, ruffling her apron.

Currently, Alice and her brother, Ben, were one of the hundreds of people gathered in front of the gate, waiting for the guest of honor to arrive. Being the family of the mentioned guest of honor, Alice and Ben were given the opportunity to be at the very front, something Alice detested. The sensation of all the eyes focused on her back made her skin crawl. Not to mention how accusatory it felt, like they could see past her facade and knew of her murderous deed-

No! Not thinking about that! Her treacherous thoughts squirmed wildly in her mind, and Alice looked around for anything that could distract her. A commotion to the right caught Alice’s attention and she turned with everybody else, as people began to cheer and shout. Alice clenched her fists so tightly her hands turned white; there was only one thing that could garner that reaction. Or rather, one person.

Her sister walked down the street, escorted by their parents. The crowd moved back whenever she got close, granting her a clear path to the gate and the carriage waiting; it was like her mere presence made them revere and adore her. Their eyes were glittering in awe and respect. On the contrary, Alice stared at her sister dully.

Her sister wore the traditional dress of the village, usually worn when a woman was getting married. It signified that a chapter of their life had closed, and they were embarking on a new journey. It truly fit this occasion, then.

The dress itself was pretty, top-notch in their village but relatively plain compared to the noble school uniform Alice watched Charlotte receive. There were no frills and the only embroidering was flowers at the hem of the dress. That meant nothing; it wasn’t the quality of the dress that was significant, it was the cultural impact it possessed.

Their parents and the village head decided on making Charlotte wear the dress in order to bring the village folk together, before changing into more appropriate clothing during the carriage ride. This was the biggest event to happen in their tiny, sleepy village in generations.

Everybody was lauding their hopes and dreams on Charlotte’s shoulders, believing even if they couldn’t leave the village, if a part of them was with Charlotte, they would feel like they could be something more. Alice hated that, despised the fact everybody thought they could burden her precious sister with their troubles but Charlotte didn’t. She didn’t care about what it would do to her, Charlotte just wanted to help as many people as she could. Perhaps that was why Charlotte's been blessed with such a gift; she was kinder.

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Charlotte waved elegantly, smiling awkwardly at the cheering masses. A thrill shot down Alice’s spine as she realized her sister was coming their way. Of course she is, we’re family. Alice berated herself for being so surprised. She needed to get it together for this.

Charlotte paused in front of them. Alice gulped. Charlotte had always been her height, but right now, Alice felt like her big sister towered over her.

”Hi, Ben. I’m going to miss you. Take good care of Mother and Father and Alice, all right?” Charlotte said. Ben nodded, tears swimming in his eyes. They hugged shortly before Charlotte pulled apart.

Then it was her turn and Alice’s mouth dried up. The tension was palpable, hanging in the short distance between them. Charlotte didn’t say a word, merely staring at Alice with those soft eyes that spoke of warmth and love and compassion.

The emotions, the feelings, the love she carried for her sister was all there. But whenever she tried to put it into words, she choked on it. How was she able to tell her sister everything with such a crude way of communication? Charlotte looked at her warily. The inexplicable urge to cry bubbled up inside of Alice.

Charlotte tilted her head, and her neck arced. Inevitably, the motion drew Alice’s eyes down and she noticed how silky smooth her sister’s skin was. She blinked and her skin was suddenly torn and dry and there was a stake running through it and blood was seeping out—Alice let out a choked gasp and stumbled back. Hurt washed over Charlotte’s face and Alice blinked again and her beck was pearly white again and oh no. Alice looked up and found Charlotte staring at her, an expression of pain on her face.

”. . .I see. I’ll talk to you later, okay?” Charlotte said, starting to turn.

No, it was not okay. Alice opened her mouth, trying to, ordering herself to say something. Anything to get Charlotte to stay. She was leaving her and Alice wasn’t even doing anything to prevent it! She lifted a desperate arm, reaching for Charlotte and then…she dropped it. Alice watched as Charlotte walked towards the church carriage that had come for her.

She was defeated. Alice watched as Charlotte stopped in front of the carriage, talking to the same gray-robed priest who had stumbled across Charlotte by chance during one of his mindless trips. How lucky he must be feeling, coming across a once-in-a-generation talent while visiting an inconsequential village.

The priest and her sister talked briefly. Whatever it was, Charlotte’s face brightened and she quickly raced to the carriage, prying open the door. Alice was able to catch a glimpse of several bodies sitting in the seats, each around her sister’s age.

The priest followed Charlotte into the coach and the door shut close behind him. The sound of the wood hitting the door frame was a strike to Alice’s very soul. The coach driver yanked on the harnesses and the horses set off.

It was straight out of a horror movie. Alice felt like she was in molasses, moving as slow as a turtle. The carriage passed the gate and within seconds, far too soon, was simply a blob in the distance. Her village cheered, and Alice felt somebody’s arm sling around her shoulder. It could have been her parents trying to comfort her, but Alice couldn’t tell and didn’t care. No amount of talking, no amount of hugs or pats would fix this because it was the wrong person doing those things.

The System made its presence known with the ding that was rapidly becoming familiar.

//Emotional loss registered! Losing someone close to your heart is tough, but there are less things to hold you back! You have gained Skill Points!

[Independence] Rank E, Level 4->[Independence] Rank E, Level 5

Alice set her lips into a firm line at the proclamation. Enough is enough. I’m not going to let anything stop me from achieving my dreams and meeting Charlotte again.

I'll find you, sister.