Golden Eyes

⟦ Purchased "Vision of Probabilities." ⟧

⟦ Luck Points: 61 → 1 ⟧

After buying the skill, Julian felt an intense burning sensation in his eyes. It was a rather unpleasant feeling that worried him a little. *Am I not compatible with the ability?* He wondered, squeezing his eyes shut, hoping the discomfort would fade.

A few minutes later, the burning disappeared as if it had never happened. Julian cautiously opened his eyes and approached the mirror on his nightstand to check if everything was alright.

His breath caught for a moment when he saw his reflection. His eyes, once a plain shade of black, had changed to a fascinating amber color, a dark golden hue resembling honey or an amber stone. The contrast was so striking that it took him a few seconds to process it.

*So, the burning was because of this…* He reflected as his fingers grazed the outline of his eyes. *My eyes have changed to adapt to the [Vision of Probabilities] ability.*

⟦ The system has detected a favorable aesthetic change in the user. ⟧

⟦ Eye color: black → amber gold ⟧

⟦ +1 Charm. ⟧

*I guess that means it suits me* Julian thought with a smile.

The change, far from unsettling him, pleased him. It gave him a different, more intriguing look, he thought. With a final quick glance in the mirror, he nodded, satisfied with his new appearance.

⟦ ONE HOUR LATER ⟧

After an appropriate rest, the young man with amber eyes headed downstairs, where he found his stepmother preparing dinner. Julian paused for a second at the entrance, watching her move around the kitchen.

Beatrice had that natural sophistication that only mature women possessed. The gaudy outfit she wore couldn't hide that sinful body, sculpted with irresistible curves that, under the dim kitchen light, stirred a deep hunger in Julian.

Marcus and Guinevere, his step-siblings, were on the couch watching a popular reality show called "Hall of Fame: You Can Be Famous Too". They didn't even notice Julian's presence, something that actually worked in his favor.

He entered the kitchen with measured steps, soft enough not to disturb the atmosphere, but noticeable enough for Beatrice to hear. She slowly turned upon sensing his presence.

"Julian" She said with a slightly nervous, uncomfortable expression. "I was just about to come looking for you. I wanted to talk..."

"What a coincidence. I wanted to talk to you too."

⟦ Ability activated: Vision of Probabilities ⟧

Julian's amber eyes briefly gleamed as information began to unfold before him. Infinite branches of possibilities danced in his mind. He could see every possible outcome of the conversation, each word, each gesture, under a cascade of probabilistic data.

Beatrice noticed the gleam but attributed it to the reflection of the kitchen lights in his eyes.

"It's about... that issue" She muttered, speaking in the lowest voice possible, clearly worried about being overheard.

⟦ Probability of being overheard: 8.375% ⟧

"Don't worry, they're distracted by the TV. We can talk here."

Beatrice swallowed nervously, clearly unsettled, but nodded. "I just... need to make sure you're not going to share that video. What happened... I can't let anyone see it."

Julian smiled inwardly. She was clearly scared, trapped in her own fear of that secret being revealed. His eyes could see the different ways to respond, each one presenting a distinct path.

╔═⟦ ✦ OPTIONS ✦ ⟧═╗

➣ Option 1 (blackmail): Assure her you won't share it if she becomes your slave. Success probability: 70%

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➣ Option 2 (intimidation): Furiously threaten to send the video to everyone. Success probability: 85%

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➣ Option 3 (forbidden romance): Tell her you love her and promise to delete everything if she becomes your girlfriend for a while. Success probability: 62%

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➣ Option 4 (prostitution): Tell her you'll delete the videos if she becomes your whore. Success probability: 30%

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In general, the success probabilities were quite high. Beatrice was cornered, and he knew it. Her resistance would be minimal if he played his cards right. Her fear of losing everything was stronger than her morality.

Julian, ever the strategist, didn't just want to control her. He wanted her to fall in love with him. He wanted her to give him everything, only to break her emotionally. Only then would he fulfill his desire for revenge against her.

Finally, with a smile that hid the coldness of his plan, Julian began to speak. "Beatrice, I've been thinking about this a lot. I know I should hate you, but deep down, I still love you. That's how my stupid heart works. I don't want to hurt you with this…"

⟦ Probability the lie will work: 28% ⟧

"And that's why you secretly filmed me the other night? Tsk. Don't take me for a fool. You had it all planned. Plus, this morning, you extorted money from me for that expensive gym" Beatrice didn't believe him entirely, her words revealing the resentment she harbored toward Julian.

This response didn't surprise him. In fact, he counted on it. He was leading her thoughts exactly where he wanted.

"I know you think terrible things about me, and I deserve it, but try to see it from my perspective. You've been ignoring me and treating me like trash for years. This was the only way I could think of to get close to you. To get your attention. And I was so furious after everything you said, that's why I punished you this morning."

⟦ Probability the lie will work: 54% ⟧

"That... is stupid. All you'll accomplish is making me hate you more and more."

"I know it was selfish. I've made a huge mistake, just like you did by raising me so horribly. We both made mistakes, don't you think? But it's not too late to fix it before we hurt each other even more."

⟦ Probability the lie will work: 72% ⟧

"Umm... I guess that's true. In a way, this is both our fault." Beatrice was conflicted about Julian. She wasn't blind to the fact that her actions had been wrong. Up until that point, she had just never cared.

Julian scanned the myriad of paths while maintaining his role as a foolishly infatuated young man.

"That's why I'm willing to delete everything... if you agree to be my girlfriend for a month."

⟦ Probability of success: 90% ⟧

"Are you still insisting on that? You know I can't betray my husband" Beatrice narrowed her eyes, remembering the sweet words Julian had whispered to her the previous night, which made her feel both strange and guilty.

"There's no other way." Julian gently took her hands, trusting that Beatrice's attraction (70 / 100) would tilt the balance in his favor.

Humans are animals, driven by instinct. The [Chaotic Attraction] they shared could play in his favor, lowering Beatrice's resistance to the idea.

Beatrice glanced toward the living room, where her children were still engrossed in the television, oblivious to the conversation taking place. Finally, she slowly nodded, though her face still showed signs of concern.

"Alright."