Lucas was chillin' in his kitchen chair, gazing out at the floating transparent interface window in the air. Jane Harper, his neighbor who just borrowed some ice cream from the freezer, had already returned to her own apartment unit. But Lucas' mind was still stuck on the recent event.
"Mission Accomplished! Reward: +10 XP, +1 Charm," popped up on the screen.
"So, I get points just for making her smile?" Lucas whispered. He tried to wrap his head around it all—the system, the sudden interface that popped up, and the strange powers now in his hands.
A familiar cold voice sounded in his ear again.
"New mission activated: Boost someone's mood to 80% in 24 hours. Reward: +20 XP, +1 Persuasion."
Lucas furrowed his brow, gazing at the system screen that appeared in the air:
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Lust Love Manipulation System
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User: Lucas Cross
Level: 1 (Novice Manipulator)
Experience (XP): 10/100
Attributes:
- Charm: 6
- Persuasion: 3
- Lust: 2
- Love: 1
Skills:
1. Analyze (Passive): Check out target's emotional status.
2. Basic Manipulation: Add +10% attraction power to target temporarily.
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"Someone's mood?" Lucas scratched his head. "How am I supposed to boost mood to 80%?"
He thought hard and then remembered that Analyze gave him info on someone's stats. He decided to give it another shot with Jane. Lucas stepped out of his apartment and walked next door, casually knocking on Jane's door.
A few moments later, the door swung open. Jane appeared with a relaxed face, still holding her phone. "What's up, Lucas? Need your ice cream back?" she joked.
Lucas chuckled. "Nah. I'm just... bored. Do you have a minute?"
Jane eyed him suspiciously, then shrugged. "Sure, come on in."
Lucas entered Jane's unit, which was way tidier than his own apartment. Jane sat on a small sofa, continuing to watch a comedy show on her phone. Lucas attempted to use Analyze again.
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Target: Jane Harper
Mood: 70% (Relaxed)
Affection (Love): 15/100 (Friendly)
Desire (Lust): 0/100 (None)
Weak Points:
- Enjoys humor.
- Likes compliments.
Suggestions: Tell a simple joke to boost mood.
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Lucas quickly scanned the data. "So I gotta crack a joke, huh?" he thought. He tried to recall a few simple jokes he had read online.
"Hey, Jane?" Lucas called out, breaking the silence.
Jane turned, raising an eyebrow. "Hmm?"
Lucas tried to think quickly. "Why don't gamers get stressed?"
Jane furrowed her brows, then smiled a bit. "Why?"
"Because they always have a pause button," Lucas replied, grinning.
Jane was silent for a few seconds, then chuckled softly. "Oh, my goodness, that's such a dad joke, but the silliness made it funny!"
"Mood boost: 75% (Amused)."
Lucas saw the number on the interface go up. "Success!" he thought with a satisfied smile. But he knew it wasn't enough. The number had to reach 80%.
"I need something stronger," he muttered under his breath.
Jane looked at him. "Did you say something?"
Lucas shook his head quickly. "Nah, nothing. Just thinking of another idea."