<h4>Chapter 22: Questions lead to more Questions</h4>


    "Rummaged through my memories?" Jayce''s mind raced, feeling a wave of unease wash over him. How did they ess his memories? How much did Rubick know?


    These answers to those questions held the possibility of dire consequences. For instance, if Rubick was somehow aware of his previous life and therefore regarded him as a threat to Cataclysm, it could very well be the end of him.


    ''Is that why he gave me the chef ss? Knowing that I was such a proficient swordsman in my previous life?'' Jayce thought, his sword-shaped eyebrows knitted together in stress.


    However, in the next moment he shook his head, dismissing this theory. While it was true that he had been a swordsman in his previous life for over 10 years, he was far from elite. He was actually mediocre at best, behind a slew of others.


    The only thing that he was particrly good at was survival, having been solo for long periods at a time before settling down in Avnche with his old cohort. Therefore there was not enough evidence to suggest that Rubick had ess to the memories of his previous life.


    Putting that aside, the next ring question was how they had essed his memories. However, this was probably the easiest to answer.


    The VR capsule was the most likely culprit. Due to the need to ess his neural pathways in order to transport his consciousness into the game world, it was likely that it also had the ability to explore the recesses of one''s memory.


    Which also brought up an even more frightening question. Just who was Rubick, and what ties did he have to the manufacturer of the VR capsule?


    "Wait a minute. Rubick... Rubix Corporation…" Jayce fell back in his chair, his mind spinning like crazy. He felt as if he had been pounded over the head with a frying pan.


    He looked at the chibi figure on his screen with clouded eyes, not knowing what to say or even think. He had learned more about the Apocalypse in 1 day than he had in his 10 years during his previous life.


    It was safe to say that he had a lot to think about. Now was not the time to ask any stupid questions and risk Rubick catching on that he knew more than he should, jeopardizing his life.


    "Mr. Let Me Cook?" The chibi figure of Rubick tilted his head in question.


    Jayce was startled for a moment, having his pseudonym called out all of a sudden. He leant forward and pressed the red button "Um, Yes?" he responded.


    A few question marks appeared above Rubick''s head on the screen, as if he were puzzled by the response. He answered in a funny tone, "It looks like our #1 supporter is a little tired."


    He shrugged his shoulders and let out an exaggerated sigh, "Let''s call an end to this gathering my dear supporters. You can ess the World Quest through your system, as well as the questions and answers that were discussed in our meeting."


    Rubick grabbed a squeegee from out of nowhere and began to clear the screen in front of him, painting a slightlyical picture, were it not for the atmosphere. As thest bit was cleaned away, Jayce felt his vision go dark, before losing consciousness.


    ***


    Jayce''s eyes fluttered open, his consciousness slowly returning to him. He found himself surrounded by Jackie and Lianna, their faces etched with concern. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the disorientation. "What happened?" he mumbled.


    Jackie''s voice quivered slightly as she replied, "You fainted, Jayce. We tried waking you up, but you wouldn''t respond, even after Lianna used her healing skills."


    Jayce sat up slowly, the memories of the supporters gathering flooding back. He could still feel the eerie atmosphere lingering in his mind. It was a relief to be back in the familiar presence of the shelter, but he couldn''t help feeling a sense of urgency and responsibility.


    "You''ve been working non-stop, Jayce," Lianna added softly. "You must have overexerted yourself." She gave him a worried look, making his heart flutter.


    Behind the longshes, her pretty emerald eyes held a look of care, something he was seldom exposed to. Now that he took a good look at her, he realized just how dazzling she really was. He had heard of beauties that could topple kingdoms in light novels and manga before, yet only now could he picture it.


    Her beautiful long ebony hair cascaded down her back in waves, shimmering in the candlelight as if infused with stardust. Each strand seemed to possess a life of its own, dancing gracefully around her like a halo of midnight silk. The way it framed her delicate features only added to her allure.


    Her high cheeks were cute and rosy, as if they had been gently brushed by the painter''s finest strokes. They carried a natural blush that entuated her charm, making her seem like a celestial being that had descended from the heavens.


    Her slender nose gracefully tapered towards her slightly parted lips, which carried a soft and enchanting smile. The curve of her lips held an innate warmth that could light up the darkest corners of one''s heart. It was a smile that held a thousand stories, each waiting to be unraveled.


    Jayce''s face flushed beet red, his fragile 18 year old body began to heat up from embarrassment. ''Damn it, now is not the time to get a crush you idiot!'' he admonished himself in exasperation.


    Jackie handed him a bowl of porridge with a small smile. "Here, have some of this. It''s not as good as your cooking, but I did my best."


    Jayce epted the bowl in earnest, thankful for the interruption. He quickly wolfed down the food in order to take his pubescent mind off of the striking beauty in front of him.


    After a few moments, he managed to calm down and smiled meekly "Thank you, Jackie. It''s delicious, really."


    Lianna''s eyes softened with relief, and she patted his hand gently. "Just make sure to take care of yourself, Jayce. We need you in top condition if we''re going to survive in this world."


    Once again Jayce''s face flushed red, threatening to overheat.