The Web of Influence
Shree Heng understood that power wasn't built alone—it required tools, resources, and people. He would never let himself rely on anyone, but that didn't mean he couldn't use them. Manipulation was an art he had mastered in Rana, and now, he would refine it in this world.
The school hallways were loud and bustling, a far cry from the silence of Rana's deadly landscapes. But in the noise, Shree Heng saw opportunities—each student a pawn waiting to be moved, each interaction a chance to tighten his grip on this new life.
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The First Target: Mina Song
Mina Song was easy to read. She walked with the confidence of someone who had always been adored, her smile a weapon she wielded effortlessly. But beneath the charm, Shree Heng saw the cracks—a desperate need for approval, a longing to be truly understood.
He approached her after class one day, catching her as she packed her books into a designer bag.
"Mina," he said, his tone casual but calculated.
She looked up, surprised. "Oh, hey, Shree. What's up?"
"I heard you're organizing the charity event next month," he said, leaning slightly against her desk. "I wanted to help."
Mina blinked, caught off guard. "You? I didn't think you were into that sort of thing."
Shree smiled, softening his expression. "People don't usually notice what I'm into. But I think it's important, what you're doing. Helping people, making a difference—it's admirable."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and Shree knew he had struck the right chord.
"Well," she said, smiling shyly, "we could use some help with planning. If you're serious, I'd love to have you on board."
"I'm serious," Shree said, his voice steady. "Just tell me what you need."
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The Second Target: Arjun Patel
Arjun Patel was a genius with computers, but his brilliance came with a dose of arrogance. Shree had seen his type before—people who believed their intellect made them untouchable.
Shree found Arjun in the computer lab, surrounded by monitors and keyboards, his fingers flying across the keys.
"Arjun," Shree said, pulling up a chair beside him.
Arjun barely glanced at him. "What do you want?"
"I need your help with a project," Shree said, his tone neutral. "Something... unconventional."
Arjun snorted. "Unconventional? You don't strike me as the type."
Shree leaned closer, lowering his voice. "It's about hacking. Getting into systems that aren't exactly open to the public."
That got Arjun's attention. He turned to face Shree, his eyes narrowing. "Why would you want to do that?"
Shree shrugged. "Curiosity. Information. Let's just say I have my reasons."
Arjun studied him for a moment, then smirked. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"Dead serious," Shree said.
Arjun grinned. "Alright. But if we get caught, you're on your own."
Shree smiled back, though his was far colder. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
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The Third Target: Aisha Khan
Aisha Khan was a force of nature. Sharp, outspoken, and utterly fearless, she dominated every debate she entered. Shree knew she would be the hardest to manipulate, but also the most valuable.
He approached her during a break, catching her in the middle of a heated discussion with another student.
"You're wrong," Aisha was saying, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Your argument falls apart the moment you apply it to a real-world scenario."
The other student stammered, trying to respond, but Aisha silenced him with a single raised hand.
"Impressive," Shree said, stepping forward.
Aisha turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Do I know you?"
"Not yet," Shree said smoothly. "But I think we'd get along. I admire people who can think for themselves."
She crossed her arms, eyeing him skeptically. "And what do you want?"
Shree smiled. "A conversation. I have some ideas I think you'd find interesting."
Aisha hesitated, then shrugged. "Fine. You've got five minutes."
Five minutes turned into an hour as Shree carefully steered the conversation, matching her wit and challenging her arguments. By the end, Aisha was smiling—a rare, genuine smile that spoke of respect.
"You're smarter than you look," she said, her tone almost approving.
"I get that a lot," Shree replied.
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The Web Tightens
Within weeks, Shree Heng had embedded himself into the lives of his three targets. Mina provided access to her family's wealth and connections, Arjun opened the doors to digital systems and surveillance, and Aisha became a powerful ally in persuasion and strategy.
But to Shree, they were tools—nothing more. He played the role of a friend, a confidant, even a leader, all the while keeping his true intentions hidden.
Each step brought him closer to his goal.
The Void Gate. The Harbinger. The path back to Rana.
And when the time came, he would discard them all without hesitation.
For now, though, he smiled and played his part, weaving his web of influence with cold precision.
This world was just the beginning.
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