Mu Lan pulled the hood of his cloak lower, his silver-white hair barely visible beneath the shadow it cast. The academy's stone corridors were dimly lit, torches flickering as he made his way toward the Forbidden Library. The mission the system had given him seemed simple:
[Mission: Observe the Forbidden Library for 30 minutes.]
[Reward: +50 Reputation Points, Basic Shadow Movement Skill.]
A straightforward task. Or at least, that's what he thought.
The library doors loomed ahead, massive and ancient, covered in glowing runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. As he approached, a faint whisper brushed past his ears.
"…He's here…"
"…The White Phantom…"
"…What does he seek…?"
Mu Lan stopped, his body tensing for a split second before relaxing. He had no idea who was whispering, but the sensation of being watched was undeniable. The academy was filled with mysteries, and tonight, he had unknowingly stepped into one.
Shaking off the unease, he leaned against a nearby pillar and began his observation. The library was vast, with endless rows of towering bookshelves and floating candlelights illuminating the darkness.
Minutes passed.
Then, just as he thought this mission would end uneventfully, the sound of footsteps echoed from the far end of the hall. Mu Lan's eyes flickered toward the noise.
A group of senior students in black robes emerged from between the shelves, their gazes sharp as they locked onto him.
"…It's him," one of them whispered. "The one who deciphered the ancient spell."
Mu Lan's brow twitched. What?
He hadn't deciphered anything. In fact, he barely understood half the spells in the academy. Yet, before he could clarify the misunderstanding, the system chimed again.
[Hidden Mission Activated: The Silent Observer.]
[Survive the night without exposing your weakness.]
[Reward: +200 Reputation Points, Advanced Shadow Movement Skill.]
Mu Lan resisted the urge to sigh. Here we go again…
Mu Lan adjusted his stance, remaining as still as possible. The senior students slowly approached, their expressions unreadable, but the tension in the air was suffocating.
"Tell me, Mu Lan," the one in the middle spoke, a tall figure with piercing golden eyes. "How did you do it?"
Mu Lan tilted his head slightly. "Do what?"
The golden-eyed student smirked. "No need to play dumb. The Arcane Cipher, the spell hidden within the academy archives… Only those with a deep understanding of ancient magic could possibly decipher it. And yet, a first-year… a so-called 'ordinary student' like you—" he paused, his eyes narrowing, "managed to unlock its secrets?"
Mu Lan internally groaned. Damn it, the system's missions keep making me look like some kind of hidden mastermind.
[Reputation Points +50]
He barely did anything, yet his reputation kept growing for no reason.
The other students exchanged glances. "We were assigned to monitor any unusual activities," another spoke, a girl with silver hair. "And now you, of all people, show up at the Forbidden Library in the middle of the night?"
That's just bad luck! Mu Lan wanted to say, but he knew that wouldn't help.
"Did someone send you here?" the girl continued, her voice carrying a hint of suspicion. "Or… did you come to learn more forbidden magic?"
Mu Lan took a deep breath. He had two options: try to talk his way out of this or let them believe whatever they wanted. Judging by their expressions, they had already made up their minds.
[New Choice Detected:
1. Deny all accusations (Risk: High).
2. Say nothing and let them speculate (Risk: Medium).
3. Act cryptic and walk away (Risk: ???).]
Mu Lan hesitated. The third option was a gamble, but the system had never led him astray before.
He took a step forward, his eyes reflecting the dim candlelight. "You think you know everything about me," he said, keeping his voice low and composed. "But if you truly understood, you wouldn't be standing this close."
The air thickened. For a brief moment, none of them spoke. Then, the golden-eyed student let out a small chuckle.
"…Interesting." He stepped back. "Very well, White Phantom. We'll be watching."
With that, they turned and disappeared into the shadows.
[Mission Complete: +200 Reputation Points, Advanced Shadow Movement Skill Obtained.]
Mu Lan sighed. I swear, this system is going to kill me one day…