Chereads / The Game System : Showdown of Power / Chapter 13 - Master of Manipulation!

Chapter 13 - Master of Manipulation!

[Examining the Show Details and skill levels of the individual known as Lee Jihye.]

[Designation: Lee Jihye] [Epithet: Absent. A touch more effort might be in order.] [Age: 29] [Disposition: Driven by Selfish Ambition] [Category: Unaffiliated] [Attributes] [Physical Strength: 05/Potential for Growth: Ordinary or lower] [Agility: 09/Potential for Growth: Ordinary or lower] [Vitality: 10/Potential for Growth: Ordinary or lower] [Intellect: 20/Potential for Growth: Exceptional or beyond] [Endurance: 08/Potential for Growth: Ordinary or lower] [Fortune: 15/Potential for Growth: Ordinary or lower] [Magic Attunement: 00/Potential for Growth: Ordinary or lower]

[Summary: Well done, participant Lee Jihye. A stroke of misfortune has come your way. Behold, the ultimate duo, crafted from modest statistics and dismal potential, has come into existence. It might be wise to consider certain precautions. If by any chance you two were to bring forth progeny, one can't help but pity the prospects of the next generation born from such a union.]

"Which duo, you ask?" This woman displayed a touch more intellect than I had initially attributed to her. To be precise, it wasn't an extraordinary brilliance she possessed.

However, her knack for gauging circumstances, making resolute decisions, and embracing action was deserving of attention. I comprehended the rationale behind Kim Hyunsung's choice to delegate the team to this woman.

She possessed quick-wittedness and adeptness in crafting fitting responses. The gesture of relinquishing control of Jung Hayan, whom she had been vigilantly overseeing in the past days, provided me with a glimpse of her intentions.

Likely, she aimed to retain the core while severing any lingering threads. Granted, there might exist additional motivations, yet those were inconsequential for my awareness.

With a gulp, I revisited Lee Jihye's statistics once again. Her pace of advancement held promise. In contrast to my prior observation, her vitality had ascended by 1 point, her intellect by 2, and her fortune by a cumulative of 3 points.

'How did she manage this?'

The inquiry revolved around her method of boosting her statistics. Regarding intelligence, it wasn't a straightforward equation tied solely to critical thinking or existing knowledge. Take Jung Hayan, for instance, possessing elevated intelligence yet lacking in certain aspects. Conversely, there was Lee Jihye, who exhibited cunning despite a lower intelligence stat compared to Jung Hayan.

Possibly, one's magical inclination or the ability to grasp pertinent knowledge formed the bedrock of the intelligence stat. The surge in her luck was equally perplexing. Just recently, her luck stat had rested at 12. Comprehending how her luck had amplified overnight proved elusive. I held a suspicion that it might somehow relate to my own elevated luck, though that remained a mere conjecture. A more comprehensive grasp of the mechanics governing statistics seemed necessary.

"Rising early, I see."

"Considering the weight of contemplation on my mind."

Lee Jihye positioned herself beside me, her unabashed gaze not bothering to conceal itself. Though she appeared unperturbed the previous day, a newfound clarity graced her countenance today.

"Handle the situation with Yoo Seokwoo and closely monitor Jung Hayan. If any unusual occurrences involving her come to pass, promptly notify me."

"Is it appropriate for you to be saying that to the woman you've shared a kiss with?"

"Let's not indulge in baseless chatter..."

"Well then, I'll take care of it. While I believe I understand your intentions, what sets this woman apart?" 'She's a cunning individual.'

"There's no need for her to know Mooka " (a female who is bigger than a male)

"You!"

A faint redness tinged her cheeks when I called her Mooka. Clearly, her age was a sensitive matter. Lee Jihye pressed her lips together ever so slightly.

We hadn't transformed into an affectionate couple or instant allies pledging mutual support. Instead, our relationship held a certain contractual essence. Although no detailed terms were laid out, we both silently agreed to utilize one another, establishing this unspoken arrangement.

This contract remained fragile, susceptible to dissolution at any given moment.

Nonetheless, for the time being, it provided us with a glimmer of trust in each other's motives. The question lingered—how long could this association endure?

While maintaining mutual respect and a sense of accountability would mitigate potential issues, the future remained shrouded in uncertainty.

I let out a soft sigh, proceeding with my inquiry. "Speaking of which, what prompted Jihye-ssi to select me?"

"I've already told you, Mister Miyoung. I'm drawn to men of ambition."

Expectations weighed upon her just as they did on me. As I retained the option to cast her aside at my discretion, she too possessed the ability to enact a similar departure.

For the present, my focus lay on personal growth and the enigmatic Jung Hayan.

Lee Jihye wouldn't haphazardly reveal the details of our 'association.' Such discretion proved beneficial to her cause as well. Yet, if her mood permitted, subtle insinuations might surface during our collaborative endeavors.

Understanding the potential impact of such allusions on Jung Hayan proved pivotal. Her struggle with navigating social interactions stemmed from an inherent inability to comprehend and reciprocate emotions effectively.

Devoid of parental figures and estranged from her sisters for an extended duration, Jung Hayan's capacity to form connections remained largely unexplored.

This void likely intensified her yearning for affection.

My task entailed nurturing her attachment to me, thereby increasing her reliance on the process. In this endeavor, Lee Jihye's assistance would undoubtedly prove invaluable.

Things unfolded more swiftly than anticipated. Yoo Seokwoo underwent an unexpectedly swift resolution without any formal trial. Uncertain if he was aware that Lee Jihye had aligned herself with my side, Yoo Seokwoo promptly admitted his fault and accepted a fitting punishment, supported by consensus.

Lee Jihye's influence, to some extent, played a hand in this development. Curiously, she maintained an attitude of helplessness throughout, despite her behind-the-scenes manipulation. She discreetly shifted public sentiment, subtly attributing a share of blame to Jung Hayan.

Simultaneously pointing their anger at me, she skillfully engineered a situation where public opinion turned against Jung Hayan. Lee Jihye's maneuvers struck me as more unsettling than I had initially thought. I couldn't help but brand her as a master of manipulation. If I were to quantify this in terms of prowess, it could be considered legendary.

My role in halting her actions was negligible. This intricate process effectively paved the way for isolating Jung Hayan, subjecting her to relentless harassment by those around her. Hemmed in by universal animosity, she found herself devoid of recourse for redemption.

Inevitably, there remained just one refuge for her. As a result, I became a witness to days of Jung Hayan's tearful outpourings.

"S-so… hic…"

"Are you alright?"

"Yes… I'm okay… Thank you. I might be… imposing on your time…"

"No, not at all. I appreciate your sharing this with me. Your efforts won't go unnoticed, and I'm well aware of Hayanie's dedication."

Truth be told, upholding a façade of virtue wasn't a simple task.

"But…"

"We'll manage. From now on, we'll embark on hunts together. I've already discussed it with Hyunsung-ssi…"

"I-it's just that someone like me… Will that be acceptable?"

"Absolutely."

I offered a faint smile and gently patted her head.

Thus far, my accomplishments could be deemed meaningful. If her fear of social interaction was any indication, the time I invested hadn't been in vain. I entertained the thought of capturing this moment in a photograph before we moved forward. Nonetheless, I was well aware that this process couldn't be rushed.

'Slowly.'

I aspired for bonds that wouldn't crumble like sandcastles. Our connection had to be fortified.

"I'm grateful you're here. I-if I were alone…"

"No, having Hayanie by my side brings me immense relief. How's your mana circulation coming along? Any progress?"

"Yes. It seems promising. I can sense it within me. With some effort, I might channel it through my arms for reinforcement…"

"What about spellcasting?"

"I-I'm still uncertain."

Yet, my conversations with Jung Hayan weren't solely about fostering rapport. Similar to Park Deokgu's struggles with his new class and acclimating to shields, I needed time to adapt to the [Magic] class.

Perhaps Kim Hyunsung's recent solitary excursions were intentional, aimed at granting us this time.

'Visualize.'

Magic manifested when one visualized their intentions using mana. The process of spellcasting facilitated visualization.

My initial attempts at magic were met with challenges. While the fundamentals resided in my mind, realizing my desired outcomes proved elusive. Constructing a sturdy mana tower, devoid of gaps or voids, while simultaneously picturing flames dancing from my fingertips, required practice.

"Hear my call. Respond. Flame."

Concurrently, a small flame flickered on my fingertip.

Jung Hayan observed with a pleasantly surprised expression.

"Wow…"

"Clear visualization is key. Simplicity aids convenience, but length isn't a concern. Alignment with your thoughts is paramount."

A drawback was that easily visualized spells often held little practical use. Reflecting on these somewhat 'chuuni-like' spells, my cheeks warmed.

"I understand."

"In my case, I focus on empowering myself through mana rather than direct magic. You'll likely develop your preferred approach. While it might appear daunting now, gaining a class will ease the process."

"As expected… I see."

Magic, it seemed, required a class to wield. Even Kim Hyunsung, endowed with ample mana, struggled without the appropriate class, suggesting class limitations couldn't be surmounted.

Despite this, I imparted this knowledge to Jung Hayan for a reason.

'I favor her.'

Teaching or learning often facilitated closer relationships. Even if I divulged information she would eventually learn, I stood to gain.

"Magic might remain out of reach until you acquire a class. Nevertheless, let's gradually enhance your mana accumulation."

"Yes. C-count on me. I'll give it my all."

I nodded naturally.

[Mana has increased by 1.] [Intelligence has increased by 1.]

'Good.'

"The more you utilize it now, the more potent your mana could become later. I'm looking forward to your progress."

"Ye-yes."

"Shall we conclude for today?"

"A-actually, there's something I find perplexing…"

"Oh?"

"Yes. I've recently experienced another surge of mana…"

As she explained, I examined Jung Hayan's Show Detail using Eye's Check

My curiosity was piqued regarding her advancements.

[Checking the Show Details and talent levels of the player Jung Hayan.]

[Name: Jung Hayan] [Title: None. Strive a bit harder.] [Age: 21] [Disposition: Pure Advocate] [Class: Wizard (Common Grade)] [Stats]| [Endurance: 11/Growth potential: rare or lower] [Agility: 11/Growth potential: rare or lower] [Vitality: 14/Growth potential: heroic or lower] [Intelligence: 22/Growth potential: heroic or higher] [Endurance: 14/Growth potential: rare or lower] [Luck: 23/Growth potential: heroic or higher] [Mana: 15/Growth potential: legendary or higher] [Equipment: None] [Attribute: How to Be a Wizard / Magic – Rating: Heroic]

'Wizard/Magic?'

What stood out was her class: Magic/Wizard.

"Due to my mana not circulating well."

Jung Hayan's bright smile once again caught my attention.

'What's going on…'

An unsettling feeling crept in.