EN:This special edition combines the original Chapters 1 to 6 into one seamless arc—witness Jason Carter's awakening, his first steps into strategy, and the rise of HEX64.
Jason Carter hit the ground hard.
His breath exploded from his lungs as his ribs flared in agony. Panic clawed at his chest, but he swallowed it, eyes stinging from sweat and the taste of blood at the back of his throat. Shame surged first—why hadn't he seen it coming? Then fear, cold and razor-sharp. He'd been here before. And it always hurt.
But this time, beneath the fear, something older stirred.
Something angry.
Pain shot through his ribs like broken glass grinding into bone. His cheek slammed against the cold tile floor of the boys' locker room, the sour stench of sweat, blood, and mold clogging his nose.
Footsteps closed in—heavy, echoing, deliberate.
"You thought you could get away with that, huh?" sneered a voice behind him, thick with hatred. "Little scholarship bitch."
Laughter. Mocking, cruel, like wolves circling a dying deer.
Jason didn't look up. He already knew who they were. Trevor—the rich kid with a God complex. Malik—the muscle. Brandon—the one who always filmed.
The usual audience. The usual show.
This was the third time this month.
But this time, something felt... different.
A sharp pulse behind his eyes. A strange rhythm in his chest. Like a countdown.
Two Months Earlier – Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China
Jason hadn't wanted to go to China. He signed up only because Mr. Abrams said it might help with college applications. "Global perspective," they said. "Cultural exchange."
He had expected temples, overpriced noodles, and group selfies. He hadn't expected Shennongjia.
The forest was ancient—mist-draped, silent, unnervingly still. The guide told stories of mythical beasts, people who vanished, places never mapped.
Most students laughed it off. Jason didn't.
Maybe it was the air. Maybe it was something older.
He wandered. Not far. Just enough.
Then he saw it—
A break in the trees. A place the mist recoiled from.
Curious, Jason pushed through. The forest swallowed him whole.
The ground gave way.
He didn't fall. He was taken.
Branches whipped past. Roots clawed at him. He tumbled into darkness until he slammed into the earth.
When he opened his eyes, he was somewhere else.
The cavern was enormous. The ceiling disappeared into shadow. Crystalline vines clung to the walls, glowing faintly.
At the center stood a stone platform, etched with ancient lines and curves—an enormous circular diagram surrounded by 64 shifting hexagrams, faintly illuminated like circuits under skin.
He approached.
The closer he got, the warmer the air became. Not heat—resonance.
He felt it in his blood.
Jason reached out—but his palm was cut by a sharp edge on the platform. Blood welled up.
It dripped—
—onto the center of the array.
The world stopped breathing.
The air thickened. The diagram lit up like a star map coming online.
"主凶卦:兑为泽.敌性浮动,气机将动,先破气,再破形."
Jason blinked. "Wait—was that Chinese? I don't even speak Mandarin."
"Translating ancient protocol to host language... Output: Predominant hostile force identified. Energetic disruption imminent. Break momentum, then strike form."
"伏羲观象,八卦归元——宿主绑定中."
Jason winced. "Seriously? Still Chinese?"
"系统代号 HEX64——伏羲八卦智能矩阵系统,以六十四卦演演千机."
"System designation: HEX64 — Fuxi Hexagram Intelligence Matrix. Strategic logic derived from 64 primordial patterns of change."
Jason's eyes widened. "What...?"
The voice glitched. Shifted.
"Host linguistic baseline detected: English. Adapting output protocol... transition complete."
"Binding protocol: initiated. Designated system: HEX64. Core logic aligned with Xiantian Eight Trigrams. Host compatibility: 87%. Binding in progress."
Jason staggered backward as symbols swarmed his vision. Numbers, lines, rotating trigrams overlaid with fluid logic diagrams. He clutched his head as a flood of data surged into him.
Pain, then clarity.
Then—
Darkness.
He woke up three days later in a Wuhan hospital. The staff said he'd been dehydrated. The trip leaders said he got lost.
Jason said nothing.
Because the symbols hadn't left. He still saw them—every time he blinked.
And sometimes, when he wasn't thinking, a voice whispered:
"Observe. Calculate. Survive."
Present Day – Locker Room, Chicago
Brandon loomed above him, grinning. "Last chance, Carter. Say sorry. Or I rearrange your face."
Jason's fingers flexed.
He was tired. Not from pain—from pretending he didn't feel it.
He met Brandon's eyes.
Then—
[风卦动,兑泽凶.局势混乱,气场破裂.敌方情绪极度激动,群体围攻概率:83%.]
Jason winced. "Damn it—not again with the Chinese. What does that even mean?"
"Translating tactical trigram output to host language... Output: Wind hexagram active. Dangerous fluctuation in field energy. Opponent emotions unstable. Group assault probability: 83%."
[本地局势全景分析中...]
"Commencing full-field situational scan..."
[五人围成半弧,主攻为布兰登.摄像者:布兰登.配合者:特雷弗（指令者）,马利克（施压者）,其他围观者:两人,未表态.]
"Five hostiles in semicircle formation. Primary aggressor: Brandon. Camera holder: Brandon. Coordinators: Trevor (instigator), Malik (enforcer). Two observers: neutral."
[变量追踪中...录像扩散风险:中.校方干预概率:低.女生关注度波动:小幅上升.]
"Risk projection: Moderate probability of video leak. School interference: Low. Peer interest (female): Minor positive fluctuation."
[建议路径:制造"反击合理性",避免施暴者转为受害者形象.目标:精准压制+语言克制,掌控心理优势.]
"Suggested strategy: Create justification for counterstrike. Avoid role inversion. Objective: Precise dominance with verbal restraint. Secure psychological advantage."
[主击节点:布兰登右腹,马利克左膝,特雷弗心理动摇点.]
"Priority strike points: Brandon—right abdomen. Malik—left knee. Trevor—mental instability marker."
Jason's body moved before he could think.
Brandon swung.
Jason shifted. Elbow snapped forward—sharp, clean, brutal.
Impact.
Brandon folded with a grunt, collapsing to the floor.
[敌首倒地.阵型混乱中,临场判断建议:起身,注视,封口.]
Jason blinked. "You're seriously still doing this in Chinese?"
"Translating... Enemy leader down. Formation disrupted. Recommended action: rise slowly, maintain eye contact, speak no words."
Jason rose, slow and steady, eyes like glass.
The others froze.
[奖励结算中——首次策略反击成功.]
"Reward calculation in progress — First strategic counterstrike: success."
[解锁词条:"势道".宿主权限:LV.0.智慧成长模块预备中.]
"Trait unlocked: 'Shi Dao' — Way of Momentum. Host privilege: Level 0. Cognitive enhancement module pending."
Jason didn't smile.
He calculated.
And for the first time—he wasn't the victim.
He was the variable.
He was the strategist.
Aftermath – Minutes Later
Outside the locker room, the hallway buzzed with whispers. Brandon was still groaning on the floor, but no one dared to help him.
Jason walked past the small crowd, calm, unreadable.
One of the onlookers—Emily Lin, the quiet girl from chemistry—watched him go with widened eyes. Behind her, someone muttered, "Did you see that elbow? He dropped Brandon like a sack of bricks."
Someone else: "Brandon records everyone. Think he caught his own ass-whooping on video?"
Jason caught that. The corner of his mouth almost twitched.
In his mind, HEX64's interface pulsed again.
"Social momentum shift detected. New tag acquired: 'Unpredictable.'"
"Minor charisma stat increase. Opponent intimidation metric rising."
Jason exhaled.
Then smirked.
Chapter 2: This Time, They Looked at Me
Jason's seat in first period was never special. Second row from the back, next to the window, right under the broken air vent that clicked every twelve seconds. Usually, nobody noticed him walk in. No one said his name. That day, though—people turned.
Some subtle. A glance. A nudge. A quick whisper.
Some not so subtle.
"Yo, is that the kid who decked Brandon?" someone muttered just loud enough.
Jason didn't flinch. He just sat down. Calm. Measured.
HEX64 flickered silently in the corner of his vision.
"Localized notoriety status detected. Visibility: elevated. Peer-level attention: increased. School social hierarchy adjustment in progress."
Emily Lin, two rows ahead, glanced at him again. This time she didn't look away.
Jason stared out the window. The sun glinted off the school gate. Everything looked the same—but something had shifted.
Later that Morning – Principal's Office
"Jason, do you want to explain to me what happened?" Principal Hargrove's tone was polished steel—sharp, but pretending to be concerned.
Jason said nothing.
HEX64 pulsed.
"Administrative interrogation pattern detected. Authority: moderate. Threat level: low."
"Recommendation: Controlled candor. Shift narrative toward self-defense within acceptable moral and legal frameworks."
Jason met the principal's gaze. "Brandon threw the first punch."
Hargrove sighed. "So I've heard. From multiple angles. Including one from Brandon's phone, which... rather helpfully recorded his own attempted assault."
Jason didn't blink.
Hargrove leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Listen. I don't care about punishing kids defending themselves. But whatever you did wasn't just a lucky hit. You put him down hard. And judging by the footage... you knew exactly what you were doing."
Jason tilted his head. "I got lucky."
HEX64 whispered:
"Deception moderate. Believability: 72%. No escalation required."
The principal stared for a moment longer.
Then he nodded. "You're not in trouble. But understand something: you've changed the rules. Now everyone's watching."
Lunch – Outdoor Courtyard
Jason sat alone, as usual. But not unobserved.
Three freshmen were whispering at the edge of the concrete planter box. A junior he'd never spoken to before offered him an unopened energy drink. Emily Lin passed behind him twice on the way to the vending machine. Just... walking.
HEX64 provided a readout:
"Social posture: converging. Peer fear-to-curiosity ratio stabilizing. Opportunity node available: selective alliance formation."
Jason ignored it. For now.
The system stayed quiet.
Until—
A new alert blinked into view.
[奖励任务解锁:第一阶段成就·定势]
Jason rolled his eyes. "Here we go again…"
"Translation: Achievement unlocked — Establishing Presence. Reward interface opening."
A diagram unfurled in his vision. It looked like a triskelion made of trigrams, spiraling inward.
[可选奖励如下:]
Situational Replay Module – Access up to 5 minutes of visual/audio recall from any perspective in a 20-meter radius.
Predictive Drift Assist – Enhance short-term prediction accuracy (±3 seconds).
Chi Pulse Stimulus – Temporary boost to pain suppression and muscular response.
Jason blinked.
"Wait… like a personal replay camera? That's sick."
The system replied:
"Selection recommended: Situational Replay Module. Synergizes with existing 'Shi Dao' trait. Enhances strategic data acquisition."
Jason hesitated only a second. "Confirm selection."
The interface shimmered, then vanished.
Jason felt nothing.
But now... he could remember exactly what Emily's eyes looked like when she passed him. How the principal tapped his pen. How Brandon's eyes widened a split-second before Jason's elbow connected.
He didn't just remember it. He saw it.
HEX64 was right.
This wasn't just survival anymore.
It was a game.
And he was finally playing.
Chapter 3: The Strategist's First Territory
Jason's seat in the second row was a tactical choice. Close enough to hear, far enough to be ignored. The desk by the window had a wobbly leg and a loose lid—but it had one key advantage: line of sight.
Today, however, all eyes were on him.
Emily Lin glanced sideways again. Jason had caught her watching him four times now since the bell rang.
Brandon's seat? Empty. Trevor's gang? Dispersed.
HEX64 pulsed softly.
[局势稳定.社交焦点转移中,主角已成为潜在势能中心.]
Jason narrowed his eyes slightly. "HEX64, seriously... can you start with English next time?"
"Acknowledged. Primary output now set to host language: English. Ancient protocols will retain source terms with translated overlay."
"Social dynamic stabilizing. You are now a node of rising influence."
Jason kept his face neutral. He liked this seat more today.
First Period – U.S. History
Mr. Keener, with his thinning hair and eternally disinterested voice, droned on about the Reconstruction Era. A question blinked on the projector.
"Which economic policy contributed most directly to the Panic of 1873?"
No one answered.
Jason blinked. A window opened in his vision:
[历史推演:癸巳流局.经济动因,信贷扩张,铁路过热投资——选择:Grant政权信用紧缩法案.]
"Historical Simulation: Gui-Si Flow Hex. Economic factors include credit expansion and railroad overinvestment. Recommended answer: Grant administration's currency contraction policy."
Jason raised a hand.
"Grant's currency contraction policies. Specie Resumption Act, 1875."
The room froze. Mr. Keener actually looked up.
"Correct," he said slowly. "Very correct."
Jason didn't smile. But the data flowed in:
"Classroom Reputation +2%. Female attention increasing."
Emily turned again. This time, she didn't look away.
HEX64 SYSTEM INTERFACE – STATUS UPDATE
A rotating bronze trigram compass flickered in his vision.
[Host: Jason Carter]
• Level: LV.0 (Strategist Trainee)
• EXP: 18 / 100
• Influence: 5% (Local School Network)
• Trait: 势道（Shi Dao - Momentum Sense）
[New Feature Unlocked: 人心图谱 / Human Map]
• Visualizes peer relationship dynamics and trust potential.
• Highlighting potential allies / rivals.
The interface shimmered again. A simplified map of the classroom appeared—names, emotional states, attention flows.
Three names pulsed:
• Paul Kim – Quiet, Observant, Tech-savvy – 70% loyalty potential
• Derrick Stone – Athlete, Underestimated, Feels Disrespected – 62% loyalty potential
• Emily Lin – Top 3 GPA, Emotionally guarded, Curiosity: Rising
Jason exhaled softly.
"HEX64… give me a low-risk mission."
"Side Mission Generated: First Step to Campus Control. Objective 1: Speak up in class three times today to gain 10% class discourse authority. Objective 2: Identify your first follower. Trigger 'Influence-Group' mechanic."
"Reward: System 'Resource Link Module' pre-initialized."
Jason grinned.
The game had started. And this time, it began with a classroom.
But strategy needs more than calculation.
It needs timing. It needs control.
And above all... it needs a reason.
That was what Jason Carter intended to find next.
Chapter 4: The First Pressure Point
The cafeteria felt colder today—not physically, but in atmosphere. Word was spreading. Jason Carter, the ghost nobody noticed last week, had suddenly become… noticed.
Paul Kim tapped his tray with a fork, eyes darting around.
"You're trending," he said quietly. "Not on social, but definitely in the hallways."
Jason chewed slowly. "Good. Let them talk."
"You're really leaning into this whole 'I know everything' vibe."
Jason didn't answer.
But HEX64 did.
[感知模块更新.敌意节点增加2.好奇节点+4.]
"Perception module updated. Hostility nodes: +2. Curiosity: +4. Current influence: 12%."
Paul frowned, unaware of the system's prompt. "You know who's not going to like this attention? The ones who already have it."
Jason looked across the cafeteria.
Chase Rourke. Senior. Student council VP. Varsity team captain. Golden boy with perfect teeth and legacy college letters waiting.
Chase hadn't looked Jason's way yet.
But that wouldn't last.
Period 4 – World History
Mr. Keener passed out a classroom debate assignment—one of those pretend-democracy activities. Each group had a topic; Jason's was labor unions. His group groaned.
"Just say workers were exploited, get a C, move on," one teammate muttered.
Jason sat back, reading the prompt.
HEX64 flashed again.
[课题策略生成中:劳动议题——情绪引导型.建议控制发言节奏,引出对立面失误.]
"Topic strategy: Emotion-led argument. Control pacing. Induce missteps from opposition."
Jason leaned in. "We don't go for a C. We go for control."
The debate began. Jason's opponents were louder, faster—typical. But Jason interrupted only once, strategically:
"So your argument is that increased pay ruined productivity?"
The other side fumbled. Their logic cracked. Jason's group gained ground, fast.
Even Mr. Keener nodded slightly.
By the end, they won.
"Debate dominance achieved. Classroom influence +4%. EXP +6."
Paul whispered across the aisle, "You scare me, man."
Jason smiled faintly.
Lunchtime – Courtyard, Later
Paul passed Jason a folded note. Old school, no name.
"Meet me at the outdoor field after class. Let's see what your mind's worth when your body's involved. –C.R."
Jason showed no reaction.
But HEX64 pulsed.
[敌对试探确立.节点标记:Chase Rourke.等级:威胁 1级.建议:以柔制刚,设计团队动态干扰对方节奏.]
"Hostile probe confirmed. Node marked: Chase Rourke. Threat level: 1. Suggestion: subvert directly, manipulate team dynamics to disrupt opponent rhythm."
Jason closed the note. "Guess he noticed."
After School – Athletic Field
Coach Darrel was running a 'team cohesion exercise.' Translation: makeshift basketball scrimmages.
Jason found himself placed on a team with Paul, a tall quiet kid named Elijah, and a wiry sharpshooter called Dev.
The opposing team? Chase Rourke, his lacrosse buddies, and two members of the football squad.
Paul whispered, "We're dead."
Jason cracked his knuckles. "We'll see."
First match: chaos.
Jason got shoved twice. Elijah missed layups. Dev was iced out. Paul panicked and threw a pass to no one.
Score: 12–4. Chase's team.
Chase jogged past, smirking. "Your system offline today?"
Jason didn't respond aloud. But in his mind, HEX64 ignited.
[启动战术预测模块.敌方路径建模完成.目标模式:控制节奏+身体压迫.建议反制:诱敌深入→转点分球→外围射击.]
"Tactical prediction module activated. Opponent path modeled: tempo control + physical pressure. Counter-strategy: bait inside → pivot pass → perimeter shots."
Jason called a timeout—not official, just a huddle.
"Elijah, stop posting under the rim. Dev, take wing. Paul, screen left, not right. Every time. We don't fight them head-on—we reroute them."
Paul blinked. "You got all that from one quarter?"
Jason: "I had it before we started."
Second match.
Jason passed wide, faked cuts, forced defensive switches. Dev sank two threes. Elijah rebounded and kicked out perfectly.
Paul actually smiled during a perfect pick-and-roll.
Chase's smirk faded. He barked at teammates. Fouled once.
Final score: 12–14. Jason's team.
Post-game. Benches.
Chase walked over, eyes unreadable.
"Not bad for someone who doesn't sweat."
Jason tossed a water bottle to Paul. "You played well."
Chase's tone sharpened. "This school doesn't reward ghosts with power. Keep showing off, and someone bigger than me might step in."
Jason met his stare.
"Then let's hope they play fair."
"Influence increased to 15%. Threat level updated: Chase Rourke → Hostile Level 2. EXP: 59 / 100."
And as Chase walked away, Jason already saw it:
The next board.
The next play.
The next break.
He wasn't here to win games.
He was here to rule them.
Chapter 5: Make the Crowd Watch
The applause still echoed faintly in Jason's mind the next morning. Not because he was proud, but because he knew what came after applause.
Pushback.
HEX64 delivered the confirmation before first period.
"Hostile node activity: +11%. Chase-linked cluster: Mobilizing. Preemptive social disruption likely."
Jason closed his locker and adjusted his sleeves.
Let them come.
Homeroom – Announcements
Mr. Brighton adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. "Reminder: The upcoming Student Voice Forum will be held in two days. Nominees for speaker include… Chase Rourke."
Predictable applause.
"...and, surprisingly, a student-nominated candidate. Jason Carter."
The room blinked.
Someone actually choked on a sip of water.
Jason didn't look up. He didn't need to.
Paul grinned across the aisle. "Guess they like watching you talk."
Jason muttered, "They'll like it more when they hear what I say."
HEX64's prompt glimmered.
[睽卦:火泽睽.舆论对立,试探性对冲即将开启.建议:以静制动,借势拉拢中立人群.]
"Hexagram of Opposition: Public friction detected. Counter-force brewing. Suggest silent strength and alignment of neutral parties."
Jason exhaled slowly. He could already feel the currents shifting.
Hallway – Between Classes
The trap came quickly.
Jason turned the corner into the science wing and stopped.
Three upperclassmen—debate club jackets, smug looks. Not Chase, but his pawns.
"Carter," one said. "Heard you're giving a speech."
Jason kept walking. "You heard right."
Another stepped to block him. "Just don't forget how easy it is to choke in front of a crowd."
Jason met his eyes, calm as ice.
HEX64 flashed:
"Threat level: Social sabotage. Persuasion rating low. Response module: Psychological inversion."
Jason tilted his head. "That's funny. You ever notice how people who talk about choking are usually the ones who've done it?"
The boy's smirk wavered.
Jason walked past him. "Thanks for the reminder."
After School – Library Presentation Hall
The stage wasn't large—makeshift lights, foldable chairs—but the room was full.
Chase stood at one end of the podium, confidently chatting with a small circle of teachers. He wore the smile of someone who expected to win before speaking.
Jason stood alone.
Paul gave him a thumbs-up from the second row. Emily was three rows back, pretending not to look.
HEX64 activated.
"Speech metrics aligning. Emotional energy: High. Audience fragmentation: 42%. Recommend anchoring narrative with precision paradox."
Jason walked onstage. The murmurs dimmed.
He didn't hold notes.
He didn't look nervous.
He began:
"You all know Chase. He's loud, tall, talented. His name's probably in your inbox twice a week."
Polite laughter.
Jason's eyes swept the room.
"I'm not here to be louder. Or flashier. I'm here because I've seen how this school works when no one's watching. I've seen how voices go unheard, how systems favor legacy, not logic."
"And I believe systems—should be rewritten."
Murmurs. Attention clicked in.
Jason told a short story about a student who solved three scheduling issues but never got credit. About teachers who misused their authority without challenge. About silence being treated as weakness.
He ended with:
"This isn't a campaign. It's an audit."
Pause.
"This school isn't broken. It's just never been optimized."
Silence. Then applause. It grew louder than anyone expected.
Even Emily clapped.
HEX64 INTERFACE – POST-EVENT STATUS
• Influence: 21%
• EXP: 79 / 100
• Chase Rourke: Confidence fluctuation detected – Mild destabilization
[反馈:中立节点向好感方向偏移.伏线已埋,建议静观其变.]
"Feedback: Neutral nodes shifting positively. Foothold secured. Recommend observant positioning."
Jason stepped down from the podium.
He didn't smile.
He didn't need to.
Because the game board just got bigger.
Chapter 6: Target Locked
The applause hadn't faded from memory—it had just gone underground. Like a pulse beneath the school's skin. Jason could feel it everywhere now. In glances, in silence, in the way Chase's name was suddenly spoken with a little less certainty.
HEX64 confirmed it before first period.
"Hostile node activity: +11%. Chase-linked cluster: Mobilizing. Preemptive social disruption likely."
Jason closed his locker and adjusted his sleeves.
Let them come.
Period 1 – American Literature
Mrs. Faulkner was assigning group presentations on modern archetypes in fiction. Jason had barely sat down when she dropped the list on the projector.
Group Three: Jason Carter, Emily Wren, Chase Rourke.
The entire class reacted.
Jason's pencil stopped mid-twirl. His eyes scanned the names again, the tension beneath his calm growing sharper. There it was—an unavoidable collision. No chance to sidestep, no strategic delay. Just a straight line into enemy terrain.
He didn't flinch, but his mind spun.
So this is the move, he thought. Force me into a corner, make me play nice with a snake and a question mark. Fine. But I don't corner—I map escape routes.
Emily's lips parted slightly. Chase leaned back in his seat and grinned like he'd just been handed a knife.
HEX64 didn't blink.
[临卦:地泽临.近身博弈,不可退.以谋为刃,以言为盾.]
"Hexagram of Approach: Close-quarters confrontation. No retreat. Use strategy as blade, words as shield."
Jason's eyes flicked to the names again. There was no walking away from this setup.
Chase would attack with charm. Emily with questions.
He'd need more than answers. He'd need precision.
Mrs. Faulkner smiled, unaware of the tension. "Presentations begin tomorrow. Pick your theme by the end of class."
Chase turned slowly toward Jason. "Guess we're partners."
Jason replied evenly. "Guess the school likes irony."
Class Discussion Table – 10 Minutes Later
Emily broke the silence first. "We should pick something we won't kill each other over."
Jason tapped the desk. "Power archetypes."
Chase smirked. "Of course you'd want that."
Jason: "It's the only one you could actually pretend to understand."
Chase leaned forward. "You know, Carter, you're clever. I'll give you that. But clever doesn't win everything. Especially when the game isn't played on your terms."
Jason locked eyes with him. "Then it's a good thing I don't play games. I write them."
Emily's eyebrows shot up slightly.
HEX64 pulsed.
"Adversary provoked. Psychological leverage established. Emily Wren: Curiosity node deepening."
Lunch – Outdoor Courtyard
Jason sat alone on the steps, eating quietly. Paul slid in beside him with a tray full of fries and no subtlety.
"You do know Chase is furious, right?"
Jason didn't look up. "Good. That means he's thinking."
Paul grinned. "You know what makes it worse?"
Jason: "What?"
Paul dropped a flyer on the bench.
STUDENT COUNCIL INTERVIEWS: Applications Open.
"You sign up, and he'll implode."
Jason picked it up, pausing just long enough to study the bold print. A student council position?
He hadn't thought about it seriously before. Too performative. Too public. But now… maybe it was the perfect camouflage. Or maybe, deep down, he was curious to see what it felt like to pull strings in broad daylight.
A subtle smile touched his lips.
HEX64 whispered.
"Strategic opportunity detected. Recommend infiltration route: institutional core. Benefit: access to data, policy, and network manipulation."
Jason folded the flyer neatly. "Let's make the school a little more optimized."
HEX64 INTERFACE – STATUS UPDATE
• Influence: 25%
• EXP: 92 / 100
• Emily Wren: Engagement spike +8%
• Chase Rourke: Hostility level: Escalated. Counteraction imminent
[提示:交叉节点锁定.剧情进展性提升.准备迎接下一阶段动荡.]
"Prompt: Intersection node locked. Narrative momentum rising. Prepare for turbulence."
Jason stood up, tray in hand.
He glanced at the system's final prompt and allowed a quiet thought to settle: "Looks like phase two starts now."
He wasn't just on the board now.
He was the one drawing the gridlines.