Professor Williams looked up as Alex entered the lecture hall. The old man's face showed recognition and fear.
"Mr. Chen. I... wasn't expecting you."
"I'm auditing today's class." Alex sat in the front row. "Please, continue."
The professor's hands shook as he returned to his lecture. "Today we discuss... corporate acquisitions."
Perfect timing.
*NEW QUEST: ACQUIRE UNIVERSITY*
*REWARD: 1,000 VILLAIN POINTS*
*METHOD: HOSTILE TAKEOVER*
Alex raised his hand. "Professor, what happens when someone buys a controlling interest in an educational institution?"
"Well, they... they gain control over operations, staffing, curriculum..."
"Interesting." Alex smiled. "Elena, initiate Williams University acquisition."
Elena's voice came through his earpiece. "Purchasing 60% share through shell companies. Total cost: 50 million. Complete in thirty minutes."
Professor Williams went pale. "You can't be serious."
"Deadly serious." Alex stood. "You once told me I'd never amount to anything. That I was wasting everyone's time."
The professor stammered. "I... I was trying to motivate you."
"By humiliating me in front of the entire class?" Alex walked closer. "By failing me for asking questions?"
"Please, I have a family. I need this job."
*CORRUPTION OPPORTUNITY*
*TARGET: PROFESSOR WILLIAMS*
*SUCCESS RATE: 95%*
"You're right. You do need this job." Alex's voice was soft. Dangerous. "So here's what's going to happen."
He pulled out a contract. "You're going to sign this. It makes me your research partner. We'll be writing papers together."
"Research partner?"
"On corporate psychology. How fear and desperation affect decision-making." Alex's smile widened. "You'll be the test subject."
The professor's hands shook as he read the contract. "This gives you authority over my tenure review."
"Smart man. You always were good with details."
*PSYCHOLOGICAL DOMINANCE*
*TARGET WILL COMPLY*
Professor Williams signed the paper with a broken expression.
"Excellent." Alex pocketed the contract. "Oh, and Professor? My grade for last semester needs correcting. I believe an A+ is appropriate."
"Of course, Mr. Chen."
Alex left the lecture hall to whispered conversations and fearful stares. His phone buzzed with a message from Elena.
*UNIVERSITY ACQUISITION COMPLETE*
*YOU NOW OWN WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY*
*CONGRATULATIONS, BOSS*
*QUEST COMPLETE*
*+1,000 VILLAIN POINTS*
*TOTAL: 26,500*