[Maibadh Government High School – Next Day]
Kamal arrived early, notebook in hand, eyes sharp. He wasn't here to study. He was here to secure his foundation—one move at a time.
[System Prompt]
Micro-Influence Level: 3/100
Active Roles: Strategist, Runner, Supporter
Suggested Task: Secure Reputation – Handle Rumors or Gain Public Favor
He scanned the corridor. Students whispered. Eyes darted his way. News of his scuffle with Ajay and Bhaskar had spread.
"Some say he's starting a gang."
"Others say he protected a vendor."
"Didn't he beat Bhaskar without flinching?"
Kamal smirked.
Let them talk.
[Classroom – Later That Morning]
Surya leaned over. "Ajay bribed Madhav sir with a new pen set to talk to the principal."
Kamal didn't even blink. "We'll give the principal something better."
A voice cut in, crisp and confident.
"If you're done whispering about shady ideas, some of us are trying to learn."
Kamal turned.
It was Sandhya, the class topper. Long braid, neat handwriting, ironclad reputation. She was respected—even by teachers. And she never spoke to Kamal. Until now.
"Don't worry," Kamal replied, smiling calmly. "You'll be quoting my methods next month."
She frowned. "Just don't drag others down with you."
[System Notice: New Character Detected]
Sandhya – Potential Ally or Adversary
Traits: High Intelligence, Social Credibility, Stubborn
Status: Unaligned – Cautiously Observing
Surya whispered, "She's dangerous in the long run."
Kamal nodded. "Which makes her useful… in the right position."
[Lunch Break – Teacher's Staff Room]
Ravi peeked inside. "Kamal anna, Madhav sir is showing Bhaskar's fake complaints to the principal!"
[System Suggestion: Leverage Reputation via Neutral Party]
Gain support from a respected teacher or student
Kamal sent Surya to fetch Meera ma'am, a strict-but-fair English teacher known to value discipline and fairness.
Within fifteen minutes, Meera ma'am entered the staff room.
"I heard about Kamal's involvement in that samosa vendor case. I visited that vendor myself. He confirmed Kamal helped him and stopped harassment."
Madhav stuttered. "B-But—"
"He may not be a saint, but he's done more for students than most of you," she snapped.
[System Update: Staff Reputation +10]
New Passive Link: Meera (Neutral Supporter)
The principal nodded. "Let's observe quietly. No punishment for now."
Bhaskar, watching from the corridor, clenched his fists.
[Evening – Temple Steps, Maibadh]
Kamal sat on the stone steps, watching the lamp flicker at the temple's edge.
As he leaned back, a memory stirred—a younger Kamal handing a stolen marigold flower to a girl with bright eyes and a shy smile.
Sravanthi.
His chest tightened. He hadn't spoken her name in years. In this new life, even with all his planning… he hadn't thought about her.
"Not yet," he muttered. "When I'm stronger. I'll find her again—this time, I won't let fate steal her."
The temple bell rang. The wind carried the scent of jasmine.
[Hidden Emotion Flag Triggered: Anchor Memory – Sravanthi]
[Kamal's Rooftop – Night]
Kamal reviewed the day's notes with Surya and Ravi.
Meera ma'am secured.
Sandhya observed.
Bhaskar growing restless.
[System Bonus: Shadow Influence Tier 1 Unlocked]
Unlocks hidden trust web, indirect protection through third parties
Current Influence Spread: 4 Zones
"₹10 a day won't change my life," Kamal whispered again. "But I know where it leads."
Surya looked up. "Where, bro?"
Kamal smiled, eyes gleaming. "To a seat where no one dares look down on us again."
And far from Maibadh, in the city of Warangal… a boy named Srinivas wrote the first line of a journal that would change his life.