Chapter 41 – First Glimpse of Truth

Mariana hadn't expected the new ability to activate so easily.

The next morning, walking into campus, she brushed shoulders with Professor Halden, one of the stricter lecturers in the economics department. Just a fleeting touch—but suddenly, her senses shifted.

A swirl of frustration. A flash of anxiety. A deep resentment… not toward her, but the department head.

She gasped softly, steadying herself against the wall as the sensations faded. So this was Empathic Scan.

> System note:

Emotional impressions last no more than ten seconds. Host adaptation in progress.

"Interesting…" she murmured. The insight was unsettling, yet powerful. In the right moment, this could be more than an advantage—it could be protection.

Later that afternoon, she met Adam and Clara in the study lounge. They were going over mock tests when Sue, one of the more competitive students, approached with her usual smile. Sue's hand brushed Mariana's arm as she reached for a paper, and in a blink—Mariana felt it.

Jealousy. Sharp. Burning. Sue's thoughts screamed: She always gets the attention. She thinks she's so special.

Mariana didn't flinch. She simply smiled. "Need help with the problem set?"

Sue faltered. "Uh… yeah, thanks."

Inside, Mariana remained composed, but she filed the information away. Not everyone was a friend—but now, she could see it clearly.

That night, in the silence of her room, she pulled out a notebook. On the cover: "Connections."

Inside, she began to write—notes about people, their emotions, their secrets. Not for revenge… but for understanding. For protection.

George's name was on the first page, in her neat handwriting. Next to it, she wrote only one word: Light.

She would continue to walk this path, sharpening her tools, shaping her future. Because fate wasn't something she would accept—it was something she would build.