Chereads / Supreme Conquest: Rise of the Legend / Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: Testing Boundaries

Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: Testing Boundaries

Nathan's steps echoed in the hallway as he returned home, his mind racing with the system's new directive.

> System Notification: "Mission: Leverage emotional bonds to unlock next tier of abilities. Deadline: 72 hours. Reward: $20,000 and 'Social Strategist' skill."

The stakes were climbing, and Nathan felt the weight of each decision pressing against him. He knew that building connections with Emily was only the first step. To truly unlock his potential, he had to cast a wider net—and that meant deepening his influence across all his relationships.

He opened his laptop and began researching his next target: Claire Ashton, the CEO he'd impressed at the Elite Networking Gala. A woman with her connections could open doors Nathan hadn't even dreamed of yet.

The next day, Nathan texted Emily, sticking to his newfound sincerity.

Nathan: "Thanks for yesterday. Want to grab coffee after school? My treat."

Emily's response was quick.

Emily: "Sure. But no over-the-top stuff, okay? Just normal Nathan."

Nathan smiled. He could handle that.

***

Nathan leaned back in his chair at the corner of the bustling coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed espresso wafting through the air. Across from him, Emily's sharp gaze locked onto his, her fingers drumming impatiently on the polished wood table. She was determined to get answers today, but Nathan knew better than to let her suspicion corner him.

"Alright, Nathan," Emily began, her voice firm. "I'm done with the evasive answers. What's going on with you? You've been acting... different. Showing up in expensive clothes, driving that car. And don't even try to say you won the lottery again."

Nathan smiled, his "Confidence Boost" ability humming faintly in the back of his mind. Emily was sharp, no doubt about that. But he had the system—a game changer—and he knew how to use it.

"Emily," he said, his tone light, "what can I say? Maybe I've just had some good luck lately. Is it so hard to believe things are finally going my way?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Good luck doesn't explain why Jake Miller, who used to shove you into lockers, now avoids you like the plague. Or why Sarah Brooks is suddenly giving you more attention than she does the entire football team combined. Nathan, you're hiding something."

Nathan sighed theatrically, leaning forward. "Can't a guy just glow up a little? Maybe I got tired of being invisible and decided to do something about it."

The system's notification chimed in his mind.

> System Notification:

"Mission Update: Strengthen emotional bonds with Emily to progress the mission. Reward: Increased relationship compatibility."

Nathan kept his smile in place. Emily wasn't just a childhood friend; she was important to his journey, both emotionally and for the system's mysterious endgame.

"Look," he continued, softening his tone, "I get it. This must all feel sudden. But I promise, I haven't changed who I am. I'm still the same Nathan. Maybe just... with a few upgrades."

Emily's lips twitched, torn between skepticism and the faintest hint of a smile. "Upgrades, huh? You're not turning into some egomaniac, are you?"

"Me? Never," Nathan said, feigning mock outrage.

The tension between them eased, and Nathan felt the system's reward unlock—a subtle shift in his perception of Emily's emotions. It was as if he could sense the lingering worry beneath her exasperation, the warmth she still held for him despite her doubts.

Satisfied, Nathan steered the conversation toward lighter topics, weaving in just enough charm to leave Emily more at ease. As they finished their drinks, he made a mental note to prioritize their bond. Emily was a cornerstone of his journey, whether she realized it or not.

Later that evening, Nathan found himself standing outside Claire Ashton's sleek, modern office building. The invitation had been casual, almost offhand, but Nathan knew better. Claire didn't do anything without a purpose.

The system chimed as he stepped into the glass-walled lobby.

> System Notification:

"Mission: Establish rapport with Claire Ashton. Reward: $10,000 and access to the Ashton Enterprises network."

Nathan smirked. "Let's see what you've got in store for me this time."

Claire's assistant ushered him into her office, a sprawling space filled with minimalist furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city skyline. Claire herself sat behind a sleek desk, her piercing gaze fixed on him as he entered.

"Nathan," she said, her voice smooth and commanding. "Punctual as always. I like that."

"Glad to hear it," Nathan replied, his tone confident but respectful. "You mentioned you had a proposition for me?"

Claire gestured for him to sit, her expression unreadable. "Let's just say I've been keeping an eye on you. You have... potential. And I believe we can help each other."

As she spoke, Nathan activated his "Emotional Insight" ability, reading the subtle shifts in her emotions. Confidence, curiosity, and just a hint of caution. She was intrigued by him but wary of how much to reveal.

"I'm listening," Nathan said, leaning forward slightly.

Claire's lips curved into a faint smile. "I have a project in mind that requires someone with your... unique skill set. It's a networking initiative—bringing together young, ambitious individuals like yourself to exchange ideas and, of course, connections. I believe you'd be an excellent fit."

The system chimed again.

> System Notification:

"Mission Update: Accept Claire's offer to unlock the next tier of 'Networking' abilities."

Nathan didn't hesitate. "Count me in."

Claire's smile widened, and for the next hour, they discussed the details of the initiative. Nathan's charm and insight kept the conversation flowing smoothly, earning him subtle nods of approval from Claire.

As he left her office, the system rewarded him with a surge of energy.

> Reward Unlocked:

$10,000 added to your account.

Access to Ashton Enterprises network granted.

Nathan checked his phone, the balance update bringing a satisfied smile to his lips. Claire's trust was another step forward, and the system's rewards only sweetened the deal.

The following morning, Nathan strolled into school with an easy confidence that turned heads. His sleek, tailored blazer and designer watch were subtle but unmistakable markers of his growing status.

As he approached his locker, a familiar voice called out.

"Cross!"

Nathan turned to see Jake Miller, the school bully turned reluctant ally, jogging toward him. Jake looked almost sheepish, a stark contrast to the cocky bravado he used to exude.

"What's up, Jake?" Nathan asked, his tone casual but tinged with authority.

Jake hesitated before speaking. "Look, man, I just wanted to say... thanks. For, you know, helping me out with that situation last week."

Nathan waved it off. "No big deal. Just don't make me regret it."

Jake nodded quickly, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. You won't."

As Jake walked away, Nathan felt a sense of satisfaction. The system's "Influence Amplifier" ability was working perfectly, subtly shifting the dynamics of every interaction.

But as the day went on, Nathan couldn't shake the feeling that Emily was still watching him closely. During lunch, she approached him again, her expression thoughtful.

"Hey," she said, sliding into the seat across from him. "I've been thinking about what you said yesterday. About upgrades."

Nathan raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"And I still don't buy it," she admitted. "But I guess I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. For now."

Nathan chuckled. "That's all I ask."

As they talked, Nathan felt the system nudge him toward a new realization. Emily wasn't just a childhood friend; she was a crucial piece of the puzzle. Strengthening their bond wasn't just about unlocking rewards—it was about building a foundation for the journey ahead.

By the end of the day, Nathan had a clearer sense of his next steps. Emily's trust, Claire's connections, and the system's guidance were all aligning to create opportunities he couldn't have imagined just weeks ago.

The road ahead was still uncertain, but Nathan knew one thing for sure: he was just getting started.