Adrian wasn't the only one making moves. While he worked to chip away at the barriers of Sophia, Iris, and Lily, Damian Crowe—Adrian's rival and the true villain of the novel—was steadily tightening his own web.
Damian had one advantage Adrian couldn't replicate: he had read the story. He knew every twist, every character arc, and, more importantly, every weakness of the heroines.
Sitting in his private study, Damian leaned back in his chair, a smug grin tugging at his lips.
"Status report," he said lazily.
A holographic interface flickered to life in front of him. His system, sleek and professional, responded in a calm monotone voice.
[Favorability updates: Sophia's tolerance for you has increased slightly. Iris remains indifferent but has acknowledged your presence. Lily's favorability is stagnant. You need to take action soon.]
Damian chuckled. "That ice queen, Iris, is a challenge, but I'll melt her. Slowly."
[Your arrogance is amusing. Be careful—Adrian Blake is interfering.]
The mention of Adrian made Damian's grin falter. He sat up, his dark eyes narrowing.
"Blake… That extra?" Damian's tone turned sharp.
[Yes. He's been interacting with several heroines.]
"How?" Damian's fist slammed onto the table. "He's just a background character. He shouldn't even be relevant!"
[Unknown. His actions are deviating from the original plot. He may have outside interference.]
Damian's mind raced. "Another system? Or is he just a wildcard?"
[Possibly. Regardless, his influence is growing. You must accelerate your plans.]
Damian leaned back again, steepling his fingers. "Then we'll deal with him directly. But first… let's remind these heroines why the protagonist and the villain are the true stars of the story."
---
Damian's first target was Sophia. Her fiery personality made her difficult to control, but Damian had a way of pushing people's buttons.
It was during an advanced combat class that Damian approached her. Sophia was sparring with one of the instructors, her moves precise and aggressive. She landed a clean blow, earning a nod of approval from the instructor.
"Impressive, as always," Damian drawled, leaning against the wall.
Sophia turned, scowling when she saw him. "What do you want, Crowe?"
"To congratulate you, of course," Damian said smoothly. "Your technique is flawless. Though, I suppose I shouldn't expect anything less from someone like you."
Sophia crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Spit it out. What are you really here for?"
Damian smirked. "Straight to the point. I like that about you, Sophia. You don't waste time."
"Unlike you," she shot back.
Ignoring the jab, Damian stepped closer. "I've been hearing things. About Adrian Blake."
Sophia's expression darkened slightly, but she didn't respond.
"He's been sticking his nose where it doesn't belong," Damian continued. "Interfering with things he doesn't understand. I thought you might want to keep an eye on him."
Sophia scoffed. "I don't need your advice, Crowe. Adrian's harmless."
"Is he?" Damian's smile widened. "Or is he playing a game none of us are prepared for?"
Sophia hesitated, and Damian seized the moment.
"Just think about it," he said, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "Blake isn't who he appears to be. Be careful, Sophia. I'd hate to see you caught in the crossfire."
He left her standing there, the seed of doubt firmly planted.
---
Damian's approach to Iris was more calculated. He knew she valued intelligence and rationality above all else, so he played to her strengths.
During a seminar on economic systems, Damian made his move. The professor had posed a complex question, and the room was silent as students struggled to answer.
"Anyone?" the professor asked.
Damian raised his hand. "If I may, Professor."
He delivered a flawless explanation, breaking down the problem with precision. When he finished, the professor nodded in approval.
"Excellent analysis, Mr. Crowe."
Iris, seated a few rows behind Damian, gave him a rare glance of acknowledgment.
After the seminar, Damian approached her.
"Miss Vale," he said, his tone polite but confident. "Your insights during the discussion were impressive. It's rare to find someone who truly understands the nuances of these topics."
Iris regarded him coolly. "Flattery is unnecessary."
"It's not flattery—it's fact," Damian replied. "Perhaps we could collaborate on the next project. Two minds like ours could achieve remarkable results."
Iris didn't respond immediately, but Damian could see the gears turning in her mind.
"I'll consider it," she said finally.
[Favorability increased.]
---
Lily was the hardest to reach. Her reclusive nature made her almost invisible, but Damian knew her vulnerabilities. He found her alone in the library one evening, sketching in a corner.
"Lily Graves," he said softly, sitting across from her.
She looked up, startled, but didn't say anything.
"Your work is beautiful," Damian said, his voice gentle. "I've seen your paintings in the art studio. You have a gift."
Lily's cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head. "Th-thank you…"
Damian leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "But I can see it in your eyes. You don't think it's enough, do you? You're always doubting yourself."
Lily's hand tightened around her pencil, her body tensing.
"You're wrong," she whispered.
"Am I?" Damian's tone was sympathetic, almost soothing. "I know what it's like to feel invisible, to think you're not good enough. But you are, Lily. You just need someone to show you."
Her lips parted slightly, but she didn't reply. Damian stood, his job done for now.
"Think about it," he said. "You're not as alone as you think."
---
Back in his dorm, Adrian stared at the System interface, frustration boiling beneath the surface.
[Bad news, genius. Damian's favorability with the heroines is climbing. He's playing this game as well as you are—maybe better.]
"Damn it," Adrian muttered.
[You're losing ground. If you don't step up, he'll steal them right out from under you.]
Adrian's jaw tightened. "He won't win. Not while I'm still breathing."
[Then stop sulking and get to work. You've got a lot of ground to cover.]
Adrian smirked darkly. "Let the games begin."
---