*PARTNERSHIP FORMED*
*+5 VILLAIN POINTS*
*TOTAL: 33/100*
Over the next week, Maya taught Alex the basics of being a villain. Small cons, petty theft, intimidation tactics. Each success made him stronger and more confident.
*WEEK 1 PROGRESS:*
*+47 VILLAIN POINTS*
*TOTAL: 80/100*
*PHYSICAL ENHANCEMENT: +25%*
*CHARISMA BOOST UNLOCKED*
The changes were becoming noticeable. Alex caught his reflection in a window and barely recognized himself. His shoulders were broader, his jawline sharper, and when he walked into a room, people noticed.
"You're adapting faster than most," Maya observed as they sat in their new hideout—an abandoned warehouse Alex had claimed by intimidating some homeless people into leaving. "Most people take months to hit 80 points."
*QUEST COMPLETE: SURVIVE FIRST WEEK*
*REWARD: MAJOR SKILL UNLOCK*
*CHOOSE ONE:*
*- COMBAT MASTERY*
*- CRIMINAL NETWORK*
*- PSYCHOLOGICAL MANIPULATION*
"What do you think?" Alex asked Maya.
"Depends what kind of villain you want to be. Combat makes you dangerous in a fight. Network gives you resources and minions. Manipulation..." She paused. "That's the scary one. That's how you control people."
Alex stared at the options. A week ago, the thought of manipulating people would have disgusted him. Now...
"Psychological Manipulation," he decided.
*SKILL UNLOCKED: PSYCHOLOGICAL MANIPULATION*
*YOU CAN NOW SENSE PEOPLE'S FEARS, DESIRES, AND WEAKNESSES*
*NEW QUEST: RECRUIT YOUR FIRST MINION*
*REWARD: 50 VILLAIN POINTS*