"I've done well so far," Lila mused internally, the thought tucked neatly behind her pleasant smile. "But to truly dominate and control, I need something more substantial... something that turns sympathy into loyalty. Obsession, even."
As they continued to move down the hall together, the dim blue glow formed once again.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Saving Mode Activated.
Points Available: 0
Superior Upgrades Locked.
Progress: Stable
Continue accumulating resources to unlock advanced abilities.
Recommended Objective: Maintain Adrien Agreste's trust and deepen emotional reliance.
Lila's eyes flicked briefly to the glowing interface, then dismissed it with a subtle flex of her fingers. She didn't need to see more. The plan was already forming.
Adrien walked beside her, crutch in one hand, her new schedule in the other. His attention split between guiding her steps and making sure she was steady.
"Miss Bustier's homeroom," he read aloud, a note of surprise threading through his voice. "We're in the same class."
Lila turned to him with carefully measured delight, just the right sparkle behind her eyes. "Really?" she asked, injecting a soft note of wonder. "That's fantastic. I was worried I'd be all alone in a room full of strangers."
Adrien's smile warmed instantly. "Not anymore," he said, handing her the schedule. "I'll walk you there."
As they moved through the corridor, Adrien gently adjusted his arm's position to better support her. When a group of older students passed too closely, he subtly stepped between them and Lila, shielding her without calling attention to it. At one point, he noticed her pace lag slightly and slowed his steps to match — never making her feel rushed.
Lila noticed it all.
Every protective glance.
Every softened word.
Every unconscious action.
Each one was a thread — and she intended to weave them into something lasting.
She glanced at his profile, her gaze innocent to the outside observer. He's already beginning to feel protective. That's the first hook. She kept her tone breezy. "You're really kind, Adrien. Not everyone would take so much time helping a girl they just met."
He gave a modest shrug, eyes still forward. "You looked like you needed a friend. And I know how it feels to be new. It's the least I can do."
That's what made him dangerous, Lila thought. Adrien wasn't just sympathetic — he was empathetic. Deeply. If she leaned in just right, he'd lean back without hesitation. And that... was power.
As they reached the stairwell landing, Adrien took the crutch from her hand again and helped guide her balance down each step, walking slightly sideways to block any possible misstep. His palm never left the small of her back until they were safely at the bottom.
The classroom door wasn't far now.
Miss Bustier's class, Lila reminded herself. Kind. Idealistic. She'll like me the moment I smile and say I want to work hard and fit in. She'll probably even seat me up front.
She allowed her voice to slip into something soft and hesitant. "Do you think... the others will like me?"
Adrien turned his head, stopping mid-step. "Of course they will." His brow furrowed slightly. "And if they don't — well, they'll have to deal with me."
The corner of Lila's mouth twitched. A small smile. A grateful one.
But inside, her thoughts were sharper. Good. Keep seeing me as someone fragile. Someone worth protecting. That'll make it easier when I'm the one pulling the strings.
As they approached the classroom door, the faint pulse of the system glowed once more — invisible to everyone else.
[PROGRESS FLAGGED]
NPC Emotional Attachment Level: Adrien Agreste – Moderate
Emotional Vector: Protection/Empathy
Influence Growth: Positive Trajectory
Lila didn't need to look. She already knew.