The courtyard was quiet compared to usual, but the undercurrent of tension remained—students grouped, whispered, and plotted small games of dominance. James Lee sat on the edge of the rooftop, Yamagishi and Kazutora beside him, observing. Today's task was more than training recruits—it was strategic assessment of allies and potential timeline variables.
[QuestSim Update – Level 5 → 6]Stats: Strength: 5 | Agility: 5 | Intelligence: 6 | Charisma: 5Skills: Observation +6 | Strategic Analysis +5 | Combat Awareness +3Perks: Leadership Insight, Aura of Authority, Tactical Vision, Influence Recognition
James Lee's eyes drifted toward the far side of the courtyard, where Takemichi lingered with his friend group—Atsushi, Takuya, Makoto—and the ever-present Yamagishi. He didn't move to recruit Takemichi; he already knew the boy's loyalty to Toman and mission to save everyone would prevent him from switching sides. But that made him perfect to observe.
"Today," James Lee began, standing tall as the sun caught the edges of his jacket, "we test your skills, your awareness, and your ability to act under pressure."
He handed Atsushi, Takuya, and Makoto small observation and teamwork exercises, such as:
Mapping student interactions for subtle power hierarchies.
Delivering messages across the school without being noticed by disruptive upperclassmen.
Coordinating movements to avoid predictable patterns in a controlled mini-"combat" scenario.
Yamagishi and Kazutora served as guides and assistants, observing each member's reactions and reporting subtle behavioral cues to James Lee.
[Candidate Assessment Complete – Stats Updated][Atsushi – Observation +2, Loyalty +1][Takuya – Strategic Analysis +2, Loyalty +1][Makoto – Combat Awareness +1, Loyalty +1]
Meanwhile, James Lee kept Takemichi in view. The boy moved cautiously, navigating the social web of the school and subtly showing signs of courage and loyalty. Every interaction was cataloged: who Takemichi defended, who he listened to, how he approached challenges.
[Hidden Quest Update: Observe Timeline Key Figures – Complete][Experience +15, Tactical Influence +1]
James Lee muttered softly under his breath, "Takemichi will remain loyal to Toman… for now. But knowing his movements, his decisions, and his connections gives me an edge. Every action he takes feeds into my calculations."
As the exercises concluded, the recruits returned with small successes and minor mistakes. James Lee evaluated them critically, imparting subtle lessons:
"Good work. Observation, timing, and loyalty are as important as strength. Valhalla grows not through chaos, but through strategy. Remember this—the more you understand your surroundings, the more control you have over outcomes."
Takemichi, still off to the side with his friends, whispered nervously to Yamagishi, "I… I don't know if I can keep up with all of this."
James Lee glanced subtly in their direction. "Don't worry about following me," he thought. "Just move as you normally would. Every choice, every instinct… it's data. Every one of you is part of a timeline I'm learning to control."
By evening, the system confirmed progress in multiple hidden quests:
[Recruit Training – Complete][Observation of Key Figures – Complete][Team Coordination – Progressing]
James Lee gathered his recruits quietly on the rooftop. "Today, you learned to observe, coordinate, and act as a team. Each of you has potential… but potential is nothing without control. Every moment you train, every challenge you complete, strengthens not just you—but Valhalla."
He turned his gaze subtly toward Takemichi and the friend group still lingering in the courtyard. "And as for the boy loyal to Toman… he will remain a variable. But every variable has value. Observe him. Learn from him. Timing is everything."
The system chimed softly, recording another step in the quiet growth of Valhalla:
[Level Up: James Lee – Level 6][New Skill Unlocked: Strategic Observation +1]
James Lee smirked faintly. The foundation of Valhalla was solidifying, quietly, methodically… and the timeline itself was starting to bend subtly around him.