The courtyard fountain trickled with faint music, crystal water catching the morning sun like shattered glass.
The academy was quieter today. A rare moment between classes — and for once, I wasn't performing.
No swagger.
No arrogant speeches.
Just me, calmly strolling the eastern walkway, hands folded behind my back like a reflective heir with nothing to prove.
System Reminder: Bonus Objective – "Steal the Affection of Nia"
Progress: 7% → Target Trust Level: Wavering Curiosity
Suggested Action: Orchestrated Opportunity for Heroic Impression
"Subtle," I muttered, smirking. "Villainous, but subtle."
That's when I saw her.
Nia.
Standing at the edge of the library steps, trying — and failing — to navigate a group of upper-year noble students blocking the path.
They weren't harassing her, not outright.
But they were loud. Careless. Laughing like she didn't exist as she clutched her books to her chest like a shield.
She tried to squeeze past.
A shoulder bumped her.
Her stack of books tumbled, scattering across the marble floor.
She gasped — bent down — tried to gather them while the nobles walked on, laughing like wind in polished armor.
"Oops. Watch where you crawl, background extra."
My fingers twitched.
Not in rage.
In calculation.
This... is perfect.
The Move
I stepped forward just as the nobles rounded the bend, their laughter still echoing.
Nia knelt on the ground, arms shaking slightly as she fumbled with a book half-folded under her knee.
She didn't see me approach.
Not until I was already kneeling beside her.
Carefully lifting the last book — the one titled Divine Balance: Ethics of Heroic Sacrifice — and gently brushing the dust off the cover.
Her eyes widened when I handed it back.
"I-I-I'm so—s-s-sorry, I—"
"Don't apologize," I said gently, kneeling level with her. "You did nothing wrong."
She blinked. Her lips moved, but no sound came.
"Some people," I continued, voice soft, "are so used to stepping over others, they forget what it's like to pick something up themselves."
I offered a small smile.
Not charming.
Not smirking.
Warm. Human.
System Ping: Emotional Impact – Registered
Trust Level: Wavering Curiosity → Budding Gratitude
Audience Detected: 3 nearby students. Passive Reputation Boost applied.
I stood, then offered her my hand.
She hesitated.
Stared at it like it was a glowing blade.
Then — slowly — took it.
Her hand was cold. Soft. Trembling.
I pulled her gently to her feet.
"You're… T-Theo… Duskblood…"
I gave a modest nod, as if I hadn't just executed villainous social judo.
"I've seen you around," I said. "You're always reading the good stuff."
"…n-no one… says that…"
"Then they clearly have bad taste."
She flushed scarlet.
System Note: Heart Rate Spike. Emotional Anchor Response Intensifying.
Elsewhere – Later That Day
Raelar stood before a boulder, fists cracked and bleeding slightly as he focused his breathing.
Lightning crackled across his back. Earth hardened beneath his feet. Ice misted around his wrists.
Three affinities, syncing slowly.
"Again," he muttered.
He hadn't noticed Nia's distance yet.
Hadn't noticed she was slower to greet him this morning.
Didn't see how her voice trembled more than usual.
He was focused. Driven.
Trying to become stronger.
Trying to prove the system could be changed.
But even heroes miss the small, quiet shifts in the wind.
Back in the Library Garden – That Evening
I sat on a shaded bench near the koi pond, flipping through an absurdly thick book I had no intention of finishing.
Nia appeared around the hedges — hesitant, like a breeze scared of its own noise.
She froze when she saw me.
I glanced up. Didn't stand. Didn't speak first.
She stared.
Then — awkward, shy — stepped closer.
"…Th-thank you… f-for… earlier…"
I nodded without looking up.
"You'd do the same for someone else."
She looked away, biting her lip.
Then sat, three benches away. Silent.
Reading.
Not running.
System Notification: Target Now Actively Seeking Proximity
Affection Progress: 24%
Raelar: Still Unaware
I closed the book.
Smiled slightly.
And leaned back as the sun dipped low across the marble and moss.
Thread laid. Net tightening.
No spell. No blood. No threats.
Just kindness — the most dangerous weapon of all.