Chapter 13: Loyalty, Provocation, and a Dangerous Awakening

The potent energy of the Core stage settled within Jin Li, a tangible reality far exceeding her expectations. The flawless breakthrough, the stronger foundation, the subtle but definite enhancement to her talent affinity – it was all real. She looked at Tasin, the enigmatic young man who had provided this opportunity, and the last vestiges of her skepticism evaporated, replaced by a calculated conviction. This was a gamble worth taking.

She stood, performing a respectful cultivator's bow, deeper and more sincere than any she had offered Alex Chen. "Tasin Ahmed," she said, her voice clear and firm, "The Nebula Heart Embryo Pill is indeed profound. You have proven the initial value of your word. From this moment, I, Jin Li, offer you my loyalty and service, provided you continue to uphold your end of the bargain."

Tasin met her gaze, his expression unreadable but conveying a sense of acknowledgment. "Loyalty is earned and tested, Jin Li, not merely offered. But your willingness is noted." He paused, his tone shifting to business. "Are you prepared for your first task?"

"Yes," she replied without hesitation, eager to prove her worth and secure future benefits.

"Good." Tasin leaned forward slightly. "Tell me about your current relationship with Fang Hao."

Jin Li frowned slightly. "Relationship? There is none. We haven't spoken properly since the breakup. We avoid each other. Why do you ask?"

"Because your first task involves him," Tasin stated bluntly. "Tomorrow, I want you to continue your association with Alex Chen. Make a point of finding Fang Hao, preferably where others can see. Be more... intimate with Chen than usual. Flaunt your connection. And," his eyes hardened slightly, "find an opportunity to verbally humiliate Fang Hao further. Undermine his confidence, mock his efforts, emphasize the gulf between his prospects and yours."

Jin Li looked genuinely surprised, even a little disturbed. "Humiliate Fang Hao more? Why? Do you hold some personal grudge against him? He's already broken."

Tasin's expression instantly frosted over. "When I give you a task, Jin Li," he said, his voice dangerously low, "you are to execute it precisely as instructed. You do not ask 'why'. You do not question my motives. Your role is to obey and report. Is that understood?" The shift from amiable benefactor to cold commander was jarring, sending a shiver of apprehension down her spine. This 'sealed heir' was not just confident; he possessed an unnerving authority.

"Understood," she replied quickly, lowering her gaze slightly, fear momentarily outweighing her ambition.

"Excellent," Tasin's tone returned to normal, as if the flash of displeasure hadn't happened. "Before you approach Fang Hao tomorrow, send me a communication. I will ensure I am nearby to... observe your performance. You may leave now. Consolidate your new cultivation stage."

Jin Li nodded curtly, rose, and left the apartment without another word. As she walked back through the quiet night towards her own dormitory, doubts swirled. Had she made the right choice? Tasin was powerful, mysterious, and offered incredible rewards, but his coldness and strange fixation on humiliating Fang Hao were unsettling. Still, the feeling of the solid Core within her and the promise of reaching Tier 2 were powerful anchors for her ambition. For now, she would obey.

Back in his apartment, Tasin watched the door close behind Jin Li.

"Well," he thought to Iris, "Phase one complete. She took the bait."

[Her ambition makes her predictable,] Iris commented. [A common trait among designated antagonists. Now, about Fang Hao...]

"Right," Tasin focused. "His golden finger. You mentioned antagonists are often drawn to protagonists when they find opportunities. Does he have something already? Or is it something he's about to get?"

[My current scanning capabilities are insufficient to detect deeply latent or non-active 'plot devices' or 'golden fingers' without closer proximity and significant Luck expenditure for targeted analysis,] Iris replied. [However, based on typical narrative patterns for protagonists with his archetype, common possibilities include inheriting a hidden legacy, awakening a unique physique or bloodline, or acquiring a powerful artifact or mentor figure, often triggered by extreme emotional distress or near-death experiences.]

"Physique or bloodline..." Tasin mused. "We'll need to get closer then. And Iris, about your upgrade. I have 120 Luck Points now. You needed 100 for the first upgrade, right? If I authorize it, will it impact me negatively? You mentioned bad luck below 100 points."

[Correct. Initiating a system core function upgrade consumes the specified Luck Points. Having a balance below the 100-point threshold significantly increases the Host's susceptibility to negative probability fluctuations – commonly perceived as 'bad luck'. Minor inconveniences to potentially hazardous incidents may occur more frequently until the balance is restored above 100.]

Tasin frowned. He only had 120 points. Spending 100 would leave him with just 20 – deep in the potential 'bad luck' zone. Given the dangerous path he was walking, antagonizing a potential Child of Luck and manipulating a calculating subordinate, inviting misfortune seemed foolish.

"Okay," Tasin decided. "We wait on the upgrade. I need more Luck Points first. A bigger buffer." He pushed aside the system talk, his mind replaying the events of the past two days. From a broke, hopeless waiter to a system holder with Bright talent, a High-Grade technique, a nascent subordinate, and a plan to harvest Luck... life had changed drastically. Exhaustion finally caught up with him. He collapsed onto his bed, intending to meditate, but sleep claimed him quickly.

He dreamt vividly – standing on a sun-drenched beach, turquoise waves lapping at his feet. Beautiful women, faces blurred but radiating adoration, hung on his arms. He was powerful, respected, laughing freely under a sky far brighter than Goliath's. He smiled in his sleep, a picture of contentment.

[Processing Host's REM cycle data... Dominant themes: Hedonism, power fantasy, unresolved insecurity. Probability of Host becoming a tyrannical space lothario if unchecked: 68.4%.] Iris's internal commentary was, as always, brutally objective and utterly ignored by the dreaming Tasin.

His peaceful slumber was shattered at 8:00 AM sharp by the insistent chime of his wrist communicator. Blearily, he checked the message. It was from Jin Li.

"Damn," Tasin muttered, bolting upright. Less than an hour! He scrambled out of bed, performed a lightning-fast wash, choked down a nutrient paste ration bar, and threw on his clothes. He activated the Void Form Scripture, ensuring his aura screamed 'Sense Peak', and sprinted out the door.

He arrived back at the familiar entrance of Xylos City Cultivation College with about twenty minutes to spare. He bypassed the main areas, heading directly towards Practice Hall Delta, the same hall as yesterday. He found an unobtrusive spot near the entrance, leaning against a pillar, appearing to be casually waiting for someone while activating his Gaze of Providence.

Fang Hao was already there, in his usual corner, relentlessly practicing his fist forms. His determination was palpable, even from a distance. Tasin scanned him quickly – still Peak Sense, Luck Value still Extremely High and Rising. No obvious changes overnight.

A few minutes before 9:00 AM, Alex Chen and Jin Li entered the hall. Their arrival immediately drew whispers and pointed stares from the other students present. Alex swaggered, clearly enjoying the attention, while Jin Li maintained her cool, beautiful composure, though Tasin noticed her subtly scan the room, likely looking for him.

They walked directly towards Fang Hao.

"Morning, waste!" Alex called out mockingly. "Getting some last-minute practice in before you have to bark for the entire college? Need some pointers? I have plenty of bodyguards you could spar with, get used to being beaten up."

Fang Hao stopped mid-punch, slowly turning to face them, his expression grim. "I don't need anything from you, Chen."

Alex sighed dramatically. "Look, I know you're poor. It's tough. How about this? Just admit defeat now. Save us all the trouble. Do the barking, and I'll be generous – maybe give you enough credits to feed that useless brother of yours for a month?"

Before Fang Hao could retort, Jin Li stepped forward, adding her own barb, her voice carrying clearly. "He's right, Fang Hao. Why prolong the inevitable? You should accept Alex's kindness. It's more than you deserve. You have nothing. No talent, no resources, no backing. He has access to nutritional chambers, advanced pills, superior techniques... How can you possibly compete?"

Then, deliberately, she reached out and slipped her arm through Alex Chen's, leaning against him slightly.

Alex Chen looked momentarily stunned, then ecstatic. This was the first time Jin Li had initiated any physical contact! His chest puffed out, a wide, foolish grin spreading across his face as he looked down at her possessively. He completely missed the flicker of calculation in her eyes.

Fang Hao saw it all. The words, the action. The casual cruelty from the girl he once loved, now flaunting her connection with his tormentor. His face went rigid, his breathing hitched, and his aura pulsed violently with anguish and fury.

[Ding! Target: Fang Hao experiencing extreme emotional distress. Luck fluctuation peaking. Optimal plundering window.] Iris's prompt was immediate.

"Plunder!" Tasin commanded silently, focusing his intent from his concealed position.

[Luck Plunder initiated...]

[Ding! Luck Plunder successful. +10 Luck Points obtained.]

[Ding! Luck Plunder successful. +10 Luck Points obtained.]

[Ding! Luck Plunder successful. +10 Luck Points obtained.]

Thirty points gleaned in quick succession. His total rose.

Luck Points: 150 (120 + 30)

Tasin felt a thrill of success. It was working! But then, something unexpected happened.

Fang Hao's face contorted not just with anger, but with intense pain. His aura, already fluctuating wildly, suddenly pulsed with a strange, dark energy Tasin hadn't seen before. It felt ancient, hungry, and terrifyingly potent, leaking out uncontrollably for a split second before retracting.

[!!! WARNING! High-energy anomaly detected from Target: Fang Hao! Analyzing signature...] Iris's usually calm voice held a note of urgency. [Analysis Complete: Latent Trait identified - Unique Physique! Classification: Devouring Life Physique (Awakening Stage)!]

Physique? Tasin felt a jolt. He knew physiques were legendary, granting incredible powers and potential, rarer than even top-tier talents. "Devouring Life? What does it do?"

[The Devouring Life Physique allows the user to forcibly absorb the life force and cultivation essence of other living beings, purifying it and directly integrating it into their own cultivation base. It is an extremely powerful and dangerous heterodox physique, capable of terrifyingly rapid advancement, but often leads to instability or madness if not controlled.] Iris explained rapidly. [His extreme emotional state triggered the initial awakening! Host, be extremely cautious! A Physique wielder, especially one like this, is often heavily favoured by the planar consciousness once awakened. His Luck Value will likely skyrocket and remain at a peak. He will attract opportunities and potentially powerful allies. Direct conflict is highly inadvisable at your current level!]

Tasin felt a surge of jealousy mixed with apprehension. A physique! While he was relying on a system, this kid had an innate cheat body!

As if to punctuate the danger, Jin Li, perhaps sensing victory or simply following Tasin's instructions to the letter, leaned close to Fang Hao's ear, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper only he and Tasin's enhanced senses could catch. "Don't make things difficult, Fang Hao. You wouldn't want anything... unfortunate... to happen to your crippled little brother while you're busy embarrassing yourself, would you?"

That was the final straw. Threatening his brother – the one person Fang Hao lived for. Something inside him snapped. His eyes rolled back, he gave a choked gasp, and spat out a mouthful of blood, collapsing onto the practice hall floor, unconscious. His aura flared wildly for a moment before flickering erratically.

[CRITICAL WARNING! Target: Fang Hao experiencing life-threatening emotional and physiological trauma! Luck Value hemorrhaging! Maximum Plunder Efficiency Window Detected!]

"PLUNDER! ALL OF IT!" Tasin roared in his mind, seizing the unprecedented opportunity.

[Luck Plunder initiated... Maximizing absorption rate...]

An almost visible torrent of golden light seemed to gush from the fallen Fang Hao, funneling directly into Tasin's connection with Iris.

[Ding! Luck Plunder successful. +10 Luck Points obtained.]

[Ding! Luck Plunder successful. +10 Luck Points obtained.]

[Ding! Luck Plunder successful. +10 Luck Points obtained.]

[Ding! ... +10 Luck Points obtained.]

[Ding! ... +10 Luck Points obtained.]

... The notifications chimed relentlessly.

[Ding! Luck Plunder successful. +10 Luck Points obtained.] (x10 total)

Luck Points: 250 (150 + 100)

Tasin felt almost drunk on the influx of Luck, a warm, empowering energy flooding his being.

The sudden collapse and vomiting of blood shocked everyone. Alex Chen paled, taking a step back, clearly scared. "I... I didn't even touch him!" he stammered. He grabbed Jin Li's arm. "Let's get out of here!" He practically dragged her away, both fleeing the scene. The surrounding students, after a moment of stunned silence, rushed forward, someone shouting to call the college medical center.

[Physique awakening confirmed,] Iris stated grimly in Tasin's mind. [The trauma stabilized the process, but he is severely weakened. Expect his recovery to involve further 'opportunities'.]

Tasin didn't linger. He turned and walked briskly away from the chaos, melting back into the campus crowds, his mind racing. He had the Luck Points. He needed to get back, upgrade the system, and figure out his next move now that the protagonist had officially activated his cheat mode. The game had just gotten infinitely more dangerous.

Back in the safety of his apartment, Tasin sat on his bed, the adrenaline slowly fading. "Iris," he said, his voice steady despite the lingering excitement, "Upgrade the system. Use 100 Luck Points."

[Acknowledged. Displaying available Tier 1 System Upgrade Options:]

[Option A: Amplification Augmentation]

Effect: Increases maximum multiplication limit (Current: x100 -> Potential: x200 or x500, requires further Luck investment per tier).

Cost: 100 Luck Points

Status: Available

[Option B: Frequency Enhancement]

Effect: Increases the number of times the multiplication function can be used per standard 24-hour cycle (Current: 1 -> Potential: 2).

Cost: 100 Luck Points

Status: Available

[Option C: Perception Protocol - Luck]

Effect: Enhances Luck-related functions. Improves passive Luck Value scanning accuracy and range, slightly increases Luck Plunder efficiency or range.

Cost: 100 Luck Points

Status: Available

[Host, based on your current objectives of rapid resource accumulation and self-strengthening, Option B: Frequency Enhancement is recommended. Doubling your daily multiplication allows for significantly faster generation of valuable assets or Recycle Points.]

"Alright, Option B it is. Upgrade the multiplication frequency."

[Confirmation received. Initiating System Core Function Upgrade: Frequency Enhancement (Level 1 -> Level 2). Deducting 100 Luck Points.]

[Ding! System Upgrade in progress... Estimated time: 5 minutes.]

[Ding! 100 Luck Points deducted. Current Balance: 150 Luck Points.]

Tasin felt a subtle shift within the system's presence in his mind, a recalibration of its core processes. He now had 150 Luck Points remaining – safely above the 100 threshold – and soon, he would be able to multiply items twice a day. The possibilities began to churn in his mind.

This is the finish of chapter