"…Actually, my admiration for Mr. Sunday isn't that kind of vulgar affection. It's an appreciation and respect for someone exceptional."
A bead of cold sweat rolled down Stelle's forehead as she looked at Robin, who was smiling inches away from her, not daring to breathe too loudly.
If she wasn't careful, the revolver pressed against her stomach might send her straight to meet Sparkle.
"Stelle!"
At that moment, two anxious voices called out. A pink and a silver figure dashed out from a nearby corridor. When they saw Stelle held at gunpoint by Robin, they shouted in unison, "Let her go!"
March 7th: "I don't care who you are—if you touch a single hair on Stelle's head, I won't let you off!"
Firefly: "…Hah, I remember you. You're the one who helped me and Stelle out not long ago, right? Put down your weapon, and I'll let you walk away… uh, I mean, spare your life."
"You lot, stay back—it's dangerous!"
Robin, seeing the group appear, showed no signs of panic and instead spoke loudly, "This person's identity is still unclear. She could very well be a Memory Zone Meme in disguise!"
Stelle: ?
Come on, really? I just answered one question wrong!
Robin's words had their intended effect. Firefly and March 7th exchanged a puzzled glance and stopped about ten steps away from Stelle.
"Miss, what's going on here? Are you saying this Stelle is a fake?" March 7th asked, her gaze fixed on Stelle.
From what she could see, there didn't seem to be anything wrong with Stelle, but given the unpredictable dangers of the Dreamscape hotel, she kept her guard up.
"It's not confirmed yet," Robin said. "She passed my test initially, but then she slipped up inexplicably. Everyone knows that Penacony's current CEO, Sunday, has no interest in romance. Your thoughts are far too unrealistic!"
"How was I supposed to know that?!" Stelle turned to the group behind her. "Did you guys know?"
March 7th blinked. "You didn't know that Mr. Sunday is… well, uninterested in romance?"
March 7th: "It's as obvious as '1+1=2.' Hmm… there might actually be something off here."
Stelle: ?
Why would I know that? How would I know that? And how do you know that?
In reality, Stelle only needed to be confused, but March 7th had a lot more to think about.
Inside March 7th's mind:
Hah, others might not know, but I do. I might doubt someone else, but if it's Stelle, it all makes sense. My Stelle is just that pure and innocent—she wouldn't know the answer to something like this, which proves she's the real deal!
But I can't rush to confirm it yet. If I do, that silver-haired vixen next to me might figure it out too. I need to find a way to get rid of this sneaky third wheel!
March 7th glanced at Firefly. "What do you think?"
Firefly pondered for a moment before saying, "I agree with you. This should be common knowledge, right… So, this Stelle does seem a bit suspicious."
Inside Firefly's mind:
Hah, you think I don't know? Stelle's memories were wiped clean when she was sent to Herta Space Station. Sunday's lack of interest in romance might be well-known, but it's normal for Stelle not to know. This proves the Stelle in front of us is real… Heh, but I can't act rashly. I need to show this naive pink-haired girl that latecomers will never have as much information as the one who came first.
I'll make this pinky realize that the one who cares about and understands Stelle the most is me, Firefly!
Thus, both women silently glanced at each other, communicating wordlessly through their eyes: Looks like this Stelle is indeed a fake.
March 7th: I absolutely can't tolerate a Memory Zone Meme taking on Stelle's appearance, so you go take care of her.
Firefly: I feel the same, but it's hard to strike when it's Stelle's face. Why don't you do it?
March 7th: I can't do it either! I'm Stelle's closest companion—we've been through so much together. In terms of closeness, you can't compare to me, so I'm definitely more reluctant than you.
Firefly: True love doesn't depend on the length of time spent together. It's about the depth of connection.
…
The air suddenly fell silent. Stelle blinked, looking at the two women who had inexplicably gone quiet, and said, "What, you guys don't even recognize me anymore?"
"I'm human! I'm really human!" Stelle hurriedly added. "Think about it—would a Memory Zone Meme be as honest as me?"
"The principle behind a Memory Zone Meme's disguise is to mimic a person's memories, thereby taking on their appearance. Since they copy memories, they'd inevitably replicate parts of the personality and memory as well," Robin said cautiously. "Everyone, I'm still testing her."
"I request a different tester!"
Stelle said with a mournful expression. "Your questions aren't weird, but the answers are too bizarre. No normal person could answer them!"
"Hmph, every Penacony employee knows the answer to this question. You dare say it's not normal?" Robin said coldly. "In that case, there's no need to continue testing. I'll give you a quick end…"
"Wait!!"
Just as Robin was about to pull the trigger, March 7th and Firefly shouted in unison to stop her. After speaking, they both froze, instantly realizing the other's thoughts.
Well, well, so you figured it out too.
Fine, I'll stop pretending then.
March 7th: "I have a question to prove your identity, Stelle: Do you remember who's been with you the longest and cares about you the most?"
Stelle paused. "It's… you."
March 7th snapped her fingers. "Correct. It's her."
Firefly, not to be outdone, said, "Stelle, though we haven't spent much time together, can't you feel my sincerity? Our friendship is just as significant!"
Stelle: "Uh, yeah, yeah, yeah…"
But could you two at least look at what little bird's holding before saying all this?! If she misfires, you'll have to go to Dreamflux Reef to find me!
…
Amid the chaotic scene, no one noticed that in a shadowy corner, the Capitalist Bird, previously driven off, silently reappeared. Its gaze locked onto everyone present, finally settling on the unsuspecting March 7th and Firefly.
The Capitalist Bird's traits were its omnipresence and tenacious vitality.
Even if Black Swan had defeated it earlier, that was only temporary. With a little rest, it would make a comeback.
The Capitalist Bird held grudges, and it wouldn't let a single person who attacked it go unpunished!
"Chirp—!"
The Capitalist Bird's massive form suddenly appeared, charging toward March 7th and Firefly like a freight truck!
Oh no!
Everyone present was no ordinary person, so they noticed the Capitalist Bird's sudden appearance immediately. But its speed was too fast, and with no prior warning, they could only watch as it barreled toward the two!
"Dodge!"
Since Stelle was the first to spot the Capitalist Bird, she had a split second to react. In that brief moment, she pushed the three people beside her out of the way, drew her Flame Lance, and prepared to unleash her combat skill—
Duang!
However, perhaps due to not wearing speed boots, Stelle had barely drawn her Flame Lance when the Capitalist Bird's massive body slammed into her. This time, she wasn't sent flying in a pathetic heap as before. Instead… her body shattered, gradually dissolving into fragments of memory matter.
Stelle's eyes widened. In the final moment before her body dissipated, she reached out and said, "March, Firefly… I-I don't want to die…"