Lina stared at the phone in her hand, the notification glowing like a dare.
> [New Task: "Public Integrity Test"]
Scenario: Live Interview – Streaming Platform: VibeCast
Goal: Answer authentically. Maintain self-image.
Difficulty: Moderate → High (Viral Monitoring Enabled)
Failure Penalty: -2 Reputation, -$1,000,000 Brand Penalty Fee
Reward: +Public Trust (Tier 2), $3,500,000, Skill Upgrade Eligibility
She groaned and buried her face in her hands.
"Who wakes up to a threat disguised as a job offer?" she muttered.
> "Technically, it's an opportunity."
"Yeah, one wrapped in a panic attack."
---
The studio lights were brighter than last time. The makeup heavier. The clothes tighter. But her mind… sharper.
Kael had said nothing this morning, only sent her a quiet, "Good luck."
He didn't offer to come.
And that meant everything.
He trusted her to stand alone.
Still, when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, the doubt started creeping in. The little voice that whispered, You're not ready. You don't belong here.
> [System Sync: Calm Pulse Activated]
[Cognitive Fog Reduced – Confidence Stabilized]
She exhaled. Rolled her shoulders.
"I belong wherever I choose to be."
---
The host was tall, artificial-smiled, and clearly more interested in going viral than being genuine.
"We're here today with the Lina Vale. Face of a rising brand, rumor-magnet, and recent heartbreaker?"
Lina arched a brow. "That's a strong opener."
He grinned. "We like to warm up with a little fire."
The screen behind her flashed with images: Lina at the gala, in the campaign shoot, next to Kael exiting a car.
"So," he said, tilting forward, "are you and Mr. Marlowe… involved?"
Lina's breath caught.
> [System Prompt: Choose Response Path]
Deflect (Low Impact)
Deny (Risk: Public Curiosity ↑)
Tell Half-Truth (Recommended)
Say Nothing (Triggers Speculation Tree)
She smiled faintly.
"We're involved," she said, voice steady. "In projects. In complicated dinners. And sometimes… in conversations where he makes better coffee than I expected."
The host blinked.
Then laughed.
"Smart girl."
---
The rest of the interview danced on a knife's edge. He asked about her past—she gave fragments. He prodded at her sudden rise—she credited effort and "a little luck."
And then came the real hit.
"Last question," the host said, grinning. "If you could say one thing to the people who doubted you… what would it be?"
Lina looked at the camera.
Dead on.
And smiled, slow.
"Thank you," she said. "You taught me how to hear my own voice."
---
The chat exploded.
> [VALERIE_K]: okay that hit 💀
[YUREI_STAR]: who is this woman and how do i worship her
[YEMI_ROCKS]: Did she just bless us with queen energy?
> [System Update: Task Complete]
Reward Unlocked: $3,500,000 + Passive Skill: Verbal Precision (Lv.1)
Reputation Tier Increased – Recognized Voice (Class C Rising Public Figure)
Brand Offers +2 Pending
---
Backstage, she collapsed into the couch, ignoring the cameras being shut off, the assistants shouting.
She closed her eyes.
She didn't cry.
But her hands shook.
> "Proud of you," the System said quietly.
"I was terrified."
> "You survived worse. This was just a spotlight."
---
Later that evening, she was back in her apartment when her phone buzzed again.
Unknown Number:
> So you're really doing this.
They said you'd break before the stage lights did.
Let's see if you've got more than good posture and sharp lines.
She stared at the message.
No name. No clue.
Just the feeling that something in her past hadn't let go.
And maybe never would.
---