Before Lily could savor her strange new identity for much longer, the door to her room swung open with a sharp creak. A woman entered briskly, her heels clicking crisply against the polished floor. "Lila, darling," she called out, breathless, "You're going to be late for your first day! Get ready right away!"
Lila's mother moved like a whirlwind of purpose and floral perfume. She didn't hesitate, crossing the room in practiced strides, selecting clothes and accessories with quick precision. Lily stood still, observing the scene as though she were a visitor in someone else's life.
On the bed lay a carefully coordinated outfit: a light blue graphic tee adorned with an abstract, artistic design; distressed high-waisted jeans that tapered neatly at the ankles; and a lightweight denim jacket detailed with subtle orange stitching. Beside the clothes rested a pair of trendy sneakers featuring bright orange accents, along with a simple bracelet tinted with the same shade and a pair of oversized sunglasses—bold but tasteful.
The faint scent of lavender mingled with her mother's floral perfume, grounding the moment in something oddly comforting yet urgent. This was no longer just fiction. This was a daily routine—now hers to live.
Then, without a sound, the delicate watch on Lily's wrist pulsed once.
Only she saw it: a small holographic interface, glowing faintly in midair just above the watch face. Silent. Discreet. Visible only to her.
[System Notification – Visible to User Only]
Mission 1: Prepare for School.
Objective: Make a strong first impression. Blend seamlessly. Adapt quickly.
The screen flickered once, then dissolved into the air as her mother approached and kissed her forehead. "I left money for your lunch on the table. Don't be late," she said gently before hurrying out the door.
The room was quiet again.
Lily stood still for a moment, letting it all settle. Then, with a small, decisive breath, she moved to the bed and began dressing. The light blue tee felt soft and comfortable; the jeans hugged her frame perfectly. The denim jacket rested lightly on her shoulders, the orange stitching echoing her new identity. Lacing the sneakers felt like tying together the final detail of a carefully designed disguise.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Lily took in the full image. The girl staring back had luminous green eyes, flawless skin, and styled brown hair. But the most striking detail was the spark behind her gaze—mischievous, sharp, alive. It wasn't just Lila she saw. It was her.
She didn't intend to mimic Lila's reckless antics. Instead, she planned to navigate this new world with careful strategy—always a step ahead.
Another silent pulse from the watch.
The holographic screen flickered into view again, visible only to her, and her alone.
[System Update]
Mission Completed.
Reward Earned: +1 Point
Available Upgrades:
– Combat Enhancement
– Persuasion Boost
– Linguistic Expansion
– Physical Enhancement
Please select your upgrade.
The holographic screen remained active, glowing faintly above her delicate watch.
Lily's gaze settled on one option.
"I want to improve my figure," she whispered.
The interface shimmered. No sound, no voice—just lines of data scrolling silently across the air.
[Selection Confirmed: Supermodel Physique]
Enhancement: Refinement of symmetry, posture, and silhouette.
Estimated Duration: 5 seconds.
Begin countdown...
5... 4... 3...
Her reflection began to shimmer and ripple.
Her figure elongated, proportions refined with subtle grace. Her waist tapered gently; curves softened and balanced perfectly. Her posture straightened into effortless poise.
...2... 1.
The transformation was smooth, elegant, like marble polished to perfection. The glow faded.
Lily looked again in the mirror. She was changed.
The system flickered one last time, then disappeared:
[Upgrade Applied. 1 Point Used.]
Progress Saved. Awaiting Next Action.
She smiled—confident, radiant. The transformation was no longer just surface-deep. It was control.