Chapter 3: The Next Target and Escalating Danger
Adam Fenton was having what could only be described as a normal day—or at least, as normal as it could get for someone with a matchmaking system that rewarded him for building affection points with potentially obsessive girls. After his successful mission with Olivia Sterling, he expected things to slow down.
He was wrong.
[New Mission: Earn 5 Affection Points with Sophia Blackwood. Reward: $1,500 and +1 Acting Skill Level.]
Adam blinked at the notification. "Sophia Blackwood? Who the heck is that?"
[Tip: Sophia Blackwood is from one of the world's most powerful families. Caution is advised.]
"Why does that sound like a death sentence?" Adam muttered.
[Because it probably is! Have fun!]
He sighed, already feeling the stress build. "Okay, system. Show me her profile."
A new window popped up, displaying a photo of Sophia. She had jet-black hair that fell in loose waves, piercing emerald eyes, and a cold, calculating expression. If Olivia was reserved and mysterious, Sophia looked like someone who could run a multi-billion-dollar corporation without breaking a sweat.
Sophia Blackwood's Profile:
Affection Level: 0/100
Personality Traits: Ambitious, Ruthless, Independent
Known Weakness: Dislikes dishonesty
"Great," Adam muttered. "She sounds like a CEO in training."
[Reminder: You have 24 hours to initiate contact with Sophia Blackwood.]
"No pressure or anything," Adam grumbled. He needed a plan.
---
Later That Day
Adam spotted Sophia near the student council building. She was surrounded by a group of students who looked like they were hanging on her every word. She had an air of authority that made it clear she wasn't someone to mess with.
"Approach with caution," Adam whispered to himself. "Be cool."
He took a deep breath and walked over.
"Sophia Blackwood?"
Her gaze snapped to him, and for a moment, he felt like he was being evaluated under a microscope.
"Yes?" she said, her tone polite but distant.
"I'm Adam Fenton. I'm new here. I was wondering if you could help me with something."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "What kind of help?"
"I'm trying to figure out how to join the student council," Adam lied smoothly.
[Acting Skill Activated.]
Sophia's expression softened ever so slightly. "You're interested in leadership?"
"I'm interested in making a difference," Adam said, hoping he sounded sincere.
Sophia studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Meet me in the library tomorrow at noon. I'll tell you what you need to know."
"Thanks. I appreciate it."
She gave him a curt nod before walking away, her entourage following closely behind.
[Affection Level: +2]
"That wasn't too bad," Adam said, feeling a small sense of accomplishment.
[Don't get cocky. The hard part is just beginning.]
---
The Next Day
Adam arrived at the library five minutes early, not wanting to risk being late. Sophia was already there, seated at a table near the back. She looked up as he approached.
"Punctual. Good," she said.
"I try," Adam replied with a smile.
Sophia pulled out a binder filled with student council information. "If you want to join, you need to understand what we stand for. Read this."
Adam sat down and began flipping through the pages. It was dry, bureaucratic stuff, but he forced himself to pay attention. He occasionally glanced at Sophia, who was watching him with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny.
"Why are you really interested in the student council?" she asked suddenly.
Adam's mind raced. "I want to be part of something bigger than myself. I think I could learn a lot from you."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Flattery won't get you far."
"It's not flattery if it's true," Adam said with a grin.
For a brief moment, a flicker of amusement crossed her face.
[Affection Level: +5]
"You're persistent," Sophia said. "I'll give you that."
"I'm also a fast learner."
"We'll see."
They spent the next hour discussing the student council's responsibilities. By the end of the meeting, Adam felt like he'd run a mental marathon.
"You did better than I expected," Sophia said as they packed up.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
She gave him a small, almost imperceptible smile. "See you at the next meeting."
[Mission Complete! Reward: $1,500 and +1 Acting Skill Level.]
"Thank goodness," Adam muttered as he left the library.
---
Sophia's Inner Monologue
Adam Fenton... There was something about him that didn't add up. He seemed sincere, but there was a guardedness behind his eyes. Still, she couldn't deny that he intrigued her. Most people tried to impress her with bravado or false humility, but Adam was different.
I'll have to keep an eye on him.
---
Back to Adam
Adam returned to his dorm, feeling both relieved and exhausted.
[Congratulations, Player! You've successfully completed two missions.]
"Yeah, and I'm pretty sure I'm digging my own grave," Adam muttered.
[Oh, absolutely. But where's the fun in playing it safe?]
Adam flopped onto his bed. "I hate you."
[Love you too, Player!]
As he drifted off to sleep, Adam couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get more complicated from here.