"Impressive, Roselle. You're five minutes early."

  Roselle tried to discern the identity of the person in the shadow but couldn't make out any distinct features. She had a good idea of who it might have been due to the way they called her name.

  The figure stepped out of the shadows, revealing her distinctive blue and pink hair in puff balls and her multicolored shirt. It was Sadie, the somber girl she had met before that turned out to be the Sleuth of Shadows.

  Roselle exclaimed, "Sadie?! You're CipherMystery08?!"

  Sadie nodded. "Yes, Roselle. I go by many names, but for this task, I am CipherMystery08. I've been watching you closely, and now it's time to confront your doppelganger, the one who's causing all this chaos."

  Roselle took a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly. "Okay, Roselle," she muttered to herself, "just stay calm."

  Sadie watched her with a steady gaze. "The last time we met face to face, you lost consciousness. I saw it coming before it happened. It’s connected to your powers, Roselle."

  Roselle opened her eyes wide. "But weeks ago, I didn’t even have any powers. How could they be connected?”

  Sadie said solemnly, “Your powers are linked to a deeper part of yourself, one that’s been awakened recently. To confront your doppelganger, you need to manifest that power of foresight you possess.”

  Roselle looked puzzled. “How do I use that power?”

  Sadie grew more urgent. “We’ll get to that later. Right now, we don’t have much time. The doppelgangers are the ones who kidnapped Michigo. If you cooperate with me, we can figure out who among us has already been replaced by doppelgangers in the chatroom.”

  Sadie fixed her gaze on Roselle, holding her eyes for a moment that felt like an eternity. Roselle shifted nervously under the intense gaze. After the pause, Sadie spoke. “I’ve been working closely with the site admins Harty and Angie. However, I know for a fact that Harty is missing.”

  Roselle’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That’s impossible! Both of them were online recently. I saw them myself.”

  Sadie shook her head. “That’s exactly what the doppelgangers want you to believe. They’re manipulating perceptions, making you think everything is normal. I assure you, Harty is indeed missing. Angie’s behavior has also raised many red flags lately. Something isn’t right. By the way, I communicate with Harty through our phones, not the chatroom. It's a personal thing."

  Roselle’s eyes widened. “W-wait a minute that means you would be texting Harty regularly.”

  Sadie nodded. “Yes, and if I’m being honest, it wasn’t just about detective club matters. Sometimes, Harty and I would go on what he called ‘dates.’”

  Roselle’s face became flushed. “So, were you... were you Harty’s girlfriend or something?”

  Sadie’s face remained as calm and neutral. “We didn’t kisss and have sex, if that’s what you’re asking, but eh… maybe something like that. It’s complicated.”

  Roselle blushed briefly and said to herself, ‘How can Sadie be so calm about this?’

  Sadie went on to explain, "Since the incident involving Risebelle and the break-in at Jess's home, Harty hasn't been calling me. Instead, he's been using the chatroom for private chats, which is unusual. I knew something was amiss, and confronted him. Right after that's when I got in touch with you. We need to unravel this mystery and save Michigo, Harty, and possibly even Angie."

  Sadie held up a list of names and turned to Roselle with a thoughtful look. "Out of those left on this list, who do you think looks the most suspicious?"

  Ruled out:

  Michigo: "KarateSpirit23"

  Roselle: "StarlightSeeker27"

  Sadie: "CipherMystery08"

  Harty: "Chessmaster12"

  Remaining names:

  Angie: "EnigmaGamer19"

  Hashta: "PixelChaos03"

  EclipseDreamer14: (Unknown)

  Roselle pondered the question. "I've always thought Angie was a bit mysterious, and she has been close Harty. EclipseDreamer14 is an unknown, and Hashta is my friend. If Harty has been acting strangely, maybe Angie and EclipseDreamer14 are the ones we should focus on."

  Sadie nodded in agreement. "You're right, Roselle. Angie and EclipseDreamer14 are the most likely candidates for the doppelganger. But there's something else you should know, Roselle. EclipseDreamer14 is Risebelle's username in the game. And here's the shocking part: Risebelle is currently in the hospital and not conscious, yet somehow her account has been active in the chatroom."

  Roselle's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's impossible. Risebelle… can't be online if she's in the hospital and unconscious. This is getting more and more complicated."

  Sadie reached for a small, compact laptop she had brought with her. She quickly logged into the chatroom and looked at the list of online members. EclipseDreamer14 was listed as online.

  Sadie leaned over and said to Roselle, "This is our chance, Roselle. If EclipseDreamer14 is online, there's a good chance the doppelganger will try to impersonate Risebelle and act like her. We need to bait out the doppelganger and expose it."

  She motioned for Roselle to come over. “Observe how it responds and what it says. We'll catch this doppelganger in its own web of lies."

  [EclipseDreamer14 has joined the chat.]

  EclipseDreamer14: "Hey, everyone! Iv’e been busy. Hospital life, you know? But I'm back, and I missed you all!"

  [CipherMystery08 has joined the chat.]

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  CipherMystery08: "Well, well, look whose back. You certainly haven't missed much, EclipseDreamer14. Welcome back, though."

  EnigmaGamer19: "EclipseDreamer14, we've been wondering where you've been. It's good to have you back!"

  Chessmaster12: "Indeed, it's been a while. How have you been, EclipseDreamer14?"

  KarateSpirit23: "Yeah, we've been worried about you. Good to see you back."

  PixelChaos03: "EclipseDreamer14! I was beginning to think you got shot to the moon. So glad you're here."

  EclipseDreamer14: "Aw, thanks, everyone!”

  CipherMystery08: "EclipseDreamer14, it is always nice to see you come back, though I guess that makes this appearance out of the blue. How's everything been treating you?"

  EnigmaGamer19: "Whoa, I just realized! CipherMystery08 is posting in the main chat! Aw shits! This rarely happens!"

  Chessmaster12: "It sure doesn't. EclipseDreamer14, we have all been worried about how you're doing. Mind letting us know how you are?"

  PixelChaos03: "Yeah, this is definitely a first. EclipseDreamer14, we've missed you. But what's up with CipherMystery08's sudden appearance online at the same time too? Let me guess, you two were planning this grand return from the start. "

  EclipseDreamer14: "CipherMystery08, it's a surprise to see you here in the main chat honestly. But yeah, I've been through a lot, and it's been quite an ordeal. I appreciate your concern."

  [EclipseDreamer14 has sent a private chat request to CipherMystery08.]

  Sadie blinked in surprise. Roselle, who was observing the situation, also looked perplexed. She leaned in closer to Sadie's screen and asked, "Why is she sending you a request for a private chat? This is unexpected."

  Sadie turned to Roselle and said, "It’s also interesting. EclipseDreamer14 wants to talk to me privately. I wasn't expecting this… I wonder what EclipseDreamer14 wants to discuss privately. Let’s find out."

  Sadie accepted EclipseDreamer14's private chat request, and the conversation began.

  EclipseDreamer14: “CipherMystery08, you're the only one whose secret identity I can't figure out. There's been a lot on my mind ever since the recent attack on Jess's house and my own encounter with the Doppelganger, so I think about everyone's identity. There's something off about you, and it's pissing me off, so just cut to the chase—am I right in guessing you are really one of Shadowcroft's tools?”

  Sadieturned to Roselle and explained, "This is an S-class impersonation of Risebelle, but it's still an impersonation. Risebelle is known for her serious yet strategic nature. This type of behavior is consistent with her character."

  Sadie then responded to EclipseDreamer14.

  CipherMystery08: "I know you're a bit leery, EclipseDreamer14. LEMME put it to you straight: I am not working for Shadowcroft. I've been commissioned under the guise of uncovering the truth and the source of these disturbances. I'm unable to reveal my true identity at this time. For my safety and the security of the investigation, I've got to hold back a little information. If that's too much for you, then maybe we can turn our attention to the solution."

  EclipseDreamer14: “I see. But just saying you’re not working for Shadowcroft isn’t enough for me. I need more than vague assurances. If you want to prove you’re on our side, you’ll need to give me something more concrete. A name, a clue, anything that can help us trust you. Otherwise, I’m still going to have doubts about you.”

  CipherMystery08: “Revealing myself is not something I can do lightly. It's for the safety and protection of the group. ."

  EclipseDreamer14: "Safety and protection? By not revealing your name, you only cast suspicion on yourself! How can we trust someone who hides their identity when we're facing a threat on this level?! You're putting the group at risk!"

  CipherMystery08: “Nah. I'm definitely not."

  EclipseDreamer14: "If you truly cared about our safety, you would disclose your identity. We can't afford to have secrets in our group at a time like this."

  Sadie read the latest message from EclipseDreamer14 and took a deep breath. “Alright, it’s time to employ my strategy,” she said, turning to Roselle. “I’m going to pause my responses for five minutes. Let’s see how EclipseDreamer14 reacts to this.”

  Roselle looked concerned. “What if they just log off and disappear?”

  Sadie shook her head. “If EclipseDreamer14 is a doppelganger, they won’t just disappear. They’ll want to keep the pressure on. I guarantee that they’ll send more messages, trying to provoke or manipulate us. Let’s see if they fall into that pattern.”

  Sadie deliberately left the chat unresponsive and waited.

  EclipseDreamer14: “Still nothing, CipherMystery08? This is exactly why I can’t trust you. You’re only avoiding the question, CipherMystery08. You've been silent for so long, and you won't reveal your identity when everyone needs it? I can't trust someone who operates in the shadows like this."

  EclipseDreamer14: "Our group has always been open and transparent when we had to reveal who we are. If you want to keep being a part of it, you have to play the rule. No more secrets."

  5 minute’s later…

  EclipseDreamer14: "This is ridiculous! We need t trust in our group. You're being a coward by hiding your identity. I won't stand for this!"

  EclipseDreamer14: "CipherMystery08, you're making this situation worse by not revealing your name. How do I know you're not the doppelganger trying to manipulate us?"

  ….

  EclipseDreamer14: "ENOUGH GAMES! Tell us who you are, or I'll expose you right now! We can't afford to have a traitor in our midst."

  EclipseDreamer14: "If you won't tell us, then I'll make it my mission to find out who you are. I won't rest until I know the truth."

  ……..

  EclipseDreamer14: "Like, really you think you could just ignore me and get away with it? You are so wrong. I'm going to bottom of this.

  EclipseDreamer14: "YOU ARE JEOPARDISING OUR SAFETY BY NOT TALKING TO ME… AND I AM NOT PUTTING UP WITH IT. TELL ME YOUR NAME NOW!!

  EclipseDreamer14: "IF YOU DON'T TELL ME WHO YOU ARE NOW, I'LL MAKE SURE EVERY PERSON IN THIS GROUP KNOWS HOW UNTRUSTWORTHY YOU ARE!"

  EclipseDreamer14: "FINE! YOU'VE DECIDED! I'M TELLING EVERYBODY AND TURNING THEM AGAINST YOU! WE'RE GONNA FIND YOU, YOU GODDAMN DOPPLEGANGER!

  Sadie leaned back and looked at Roselle with a gloomy yet satisfied smile. “I’ve got them. They’re panicking because I’m being silent, and that’s revealing their true nature.”

  Roselle’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

  Sadie explained, “At first, EclipseDreamer14 tried to accuse me of working for Shadowcroft, but now they’re calling me a doppelganger. That inconsistency is a clear sign of their desperation. They’re losing control because their own lies aren’t working against me.”

  Roselle nodded. “So, what’s our next move?”

  Sadie’s gaze sharpened with resolve. “We need to respond strategically. Let’s address their threats head-on while subtly directing them.

  CipherMystery08: "EclipseDreamer14, I understand your frustration, and I don't wish to hide my identity from the group any longer. I'll tell you who I am on one condition: You must tell me why you suspect me of being a Doppelganger.”

  EclipseDreamer14: "Because Angie said so. She said you were acting strange and to suspect you, and I did it, so why isn’t it working?"

  Immediately after sending the message, EclipseDreamer14 seemed to realize the mistake. They attempted to delete the message, but Sadie, being a mod, was quick to react. Sadie’s fingers flew over the keyboard, and with a few commands, she managed to undelete the message before it could be permanently erased.

  Sadie turned to Roselle with a knowing look. “They just revealed their true motivation—Angie’s influence. It’s a crucial slip. They’re trying to cover their tracks now, but it’s too late. The doppelganger is exposed.”

  Roselle’s eyes widened. “So Angie’s been involved all along? That’s huge!”

  CipherMystery08: “Interesting. So Angie’s influence is your basis for suspicion. Let me assure you, the real threat is much closer than you think. And your attempt to delete the evidence only confirms your own deceit. Care to explain why you’re so quick to hide the truth?”

  EclipseDreamer14: "That's wrong! Angie didn’t tell me that. I meant to type Harty’s name, not Angie. I must have made a mistake."

  Sadie raised an eyebrow.

  CipherMystery08: “Oh, is that so? I find that hard to believe, but if that’s your explanation, let’s put it to the test. To clear my name and validate your claim, I suggest we meet face to face.”

  EclipseDreamer14: "Alright. If meeting in person will clear things up, I’ll agree. Let’s arrange a time and place to discuss this."

  Sadie raised one fist in victory. "We've just outsmarted the doppelganger, Roselle. EclipseDreamer14 just revealed herself. Shadowcroft made their move but don't expect counterplay of this level. They still have to dispose of Risebelle, but you making the move to kick Jess out lead Jess back to Risebelle. The real Risebelle will be fine as long as Jess is at the hospital with her."

  Roselle's eyes widened. She had been upset with her mother for kicking Jess out, but now it appeared to be a fortunate turn of events. "My mother's actions inadvertently led Jess back to Risebelle? Then…we can expose the doppelganger and save everyone!"

  Roselle raised up one fist with a smile on her face. "Let’s bring down some evil body doubles!”