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Chapter 191 Istarra (2)

As the players stepped through the gates of Istarra, a sense of familiarity washed over them.

The streets were lively, filled with both locals and players, their chatter blending with the distant sound of merchants calling out their wares.

The evening light bathed the town in a soft glow, casting long shadows over the cobblestone paths.

For some, returning to Istarra felt like coming home.

For others, it was their first time seeing the place for themselves.

Arlon walked with the group for a while before subtly breaking away into a quiet alleyway.

It was time to switch places.

A faint shimmer surrounded him as his doppelganger took his place.

His real self faded from view, slipping into the shadows while Arlon the Guide emerged from the alley, walking out confidently to rejoin the others.

Of course, the copy also changed his face to become Arlon the player.

None of the players—not even June—noticed the switch.

As far as they were concerned, Arlon had been here all along.

***

Their destination was clear:

Charon's Moonlight Potion Store.

The scent of herbs and alchemical ingredients filled the air as they stepped inside. Shelves lined the walls, stocked with glowing vials, dried plants, and rare elixirs. The soft hum of bubbling cauldrons created an almost tranquil atmosphere.

The moment they entered, a familiar voice rang out.

"Oh! You're here!"

A young woman rushed toward them, her face lighting up.

It was Shirl.

Dressed in a modest shop uniform, she looked much different from the administrator she once was. But her expression—warm and full of energy—was the same as ever.

She was happy to see them.

She greeted the players she recognized with enthusiasm before her gaze landed on Arlon the Guide.

Her expression shifted slightly—still joyful, but filled with something deeper. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

"Sir Arlon... You are also here."

Arlon simply nodded. "It's been a while."

"You haven't become much stronger even though that much time passed..."

---

"So... which one of you is the real one?" June whispered to Arlon, keeping her voice low so the others wouldn't hear.

She had already suspected he had done something, but she wasn't entirely sure what just yet.

Arlon smirked. "Didn't you figure out which one was real last time?"

June frowned slightly. "That's the weird part... I could tell back then. But now? I can't see any difference."

She didn't like this situation that felt like a trap.

Arlon's smirk widened. "That's because I fixed it. It was too easy to see through before. If someone could tell which one was fake at a glance, that could be dangerous."

His tone was casual, but June could tell he had put serious thought into this.

"Of course," he added, "anyone who knows I use copies should always double-check. But still, I couldn't leave such an obvious flaw alone."

June nodded slowly, thinking it over. "I see... So, are you the real Arlon?"

Arlon's expression didn't change. "There is no 'real' or 'fake.'

We both share the same thoughts, the same mind, the same awareness. Even now, I see what he's doing, and he sees what I'm doing.

But even if we didn't, it wouldn't matter.

We're made from the same brain, so we think alike. We would act the same way, make the same choices. Whether it's him or me standing here, the result wouldn't change."

June stared at him for a long moment, then nodded.

"I see."

She took a step closer and lowered her voice even more.

"You're the fake one, then."

Arlon's confident smirk froze.

"Wha—" He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Sigh... Yes, fine. I'm the doppelganger."

June grinned. "Thought so."

In the meantime, Shirl was asking her own questions. "Since when did they get so close?"

Maria glanced at June and Arlon, then shrugged. "No idea. But June's the only one he seems to be talking to nowadays."

Shirl giggled. "I guess even Arlon isn't untouchable, huh?"

Pierre smirked. "Trust me, we're still figuring that out."