The week that followed was strange. The "Successful Lure" worked, but like a trap that closed slowly. Lee Min-Ji no longer followed him suspiciously, but with benevolent and critical attention, waiting to see evidence of his transformation. Every time he met his eyes, he would see a silent question: "Are you sincere?"
This pressure was more stifling than Park Jin-Ho's hatred. He had to constantly measure his actions, soften his answers, play the role of the tired leader seeking a nobler way. Even Choi Yu-Ra noticed the change.
"Boss, you've been... different lately," she said one day as they walked to school. Is it because of what Lee Min-Ji told you?"
Kim-Do felt the trap. Yu-Ra was loyal, but his world was simple: strength, loyalty, domination. The idea that its leader could be influenced by an idealist student council was uncomfortable.
"Strength has its limits, Yu-Ra," he replied, repeating the new line he had set for himself. "Sometimes you have to be smarter."
She nodded, without being totally convinced. "As long as you stay the strongest."
That was the problem. If he became too soft, he would lose the respect of his faction. If he were too tough, he would lose Min-Ji's budding confidence and confirm his worst fears. He was walking on a wire.
VZZT.
The system, as always, felt its vulnerability.
"'
[QUEST: PRECAR BLANCE]
Background: You must maintain your credibility with factions with opposing expectations.
Objective: To resolve a minor conflict without resorting to physical violence, while demonstrating undisputed authority.
• Reward: +5% Synchronicity, "Successful Their" Strengthened.
Failure: Loss of reputation either with your faction or with the Student Council.
"'
The opportunity presented itself sooner than expected. That same afternoon, a conflict broke out near the lockers. A member of his faction, an impulsive boy named Dae-Ho, had quarreled with a student from a neutral faction for a locker seat. The situation quickly escalated into spurts and screams.
Park Jin-Ho and his men were there, in a circle, smiling, waiting for the show. Lee Min-Ji also appeared across the hall, his grave gaze on Kim-Do. The test was perfect.
Kim-Do approached." Dae-Ho. Stop."
But boss, he started! He shoved my friend!" protested Dae-Ho, his face red with anger.
The other student, a thinner boy, seemed terrified. "It was an accident! I turned around and..."
"You're lying!" cried Dae-Ho, raising his fist.
Kim-Do stood between them. His "Tactical Intuition" whispered to him that Jin-Ho had probably set the stage, prompting Dae-Ho to provocation.
"Enough," said Kim-Do, his voice calm but sharp. He looked at Dae-Ho. "You knock, what next? Jin-Ho will have a reason to intervene. You're playing his game."
Dae-Ho lowered his fist, confused. "So we're not doing anything?"
"I didn't say that," Kim-Do replied. He turned to the other student. "You apologize. Now."
The boy, relieved, hurriedly apologized.
Then Kim-Do turned to Dae-Ho. "And you learn to control your anger. Next time, you'll clean the East Wing toilet for a week. Is that clear?"
It was a humiliating but non-violent punishment. He demonstrated authority, but avoided brutality.
Dae-Ho, ashamed, lowered his head. "Yes, boss."
The crowd, disappointed that they saw no blood, began to disperse. Park Jin-Ho chuckled. "You're becoming a babysitter, Kim-Do?"
Kim-Do ignored the provocation. His eyes met Lee Min-Ji's. She wasn't smiling, but her expression was pensive, less suspicious. He had succeeded.
VZZT.
"'
[QUEST ACCOMPLITY: PRECAR BALANCE]
+5% synchronicity.
Successful enhanced lure (extended to 10 days).
"'
As he walked away, a new, sweeter memory emerged. The real younger Kim-Do, trying to protect a weaker person in the playground, but failing to do so, overwhelmed by mockery and the law of the strongest. A sense of helplessness and shame. For the first time, Kim-Do felt a strange empathy for the man whose life he had stolen. They were both trapped, each in their own way.
In the evening, exhausted by the constant effort of calculation and representation, he wandered near the deserted sports fields when a figure emerged from the shadows. Joon.
"You play your part well," commented the regulator, without preamble. "Even I am beginning to doubt."
"It's not a role," Kim-Do lied, activating his cover-up. "It's a survival strategy."
Joon laughed a little. "The border is thin. But be careful. The system doesn't like balance. He prefers pressure, extremes. That's how he collects his data."
"What does that mean?" asked Kim-Do, a new sense of anxiety invading him.
"It means that your little tightrope walker number won't last," Joon replied, his smile fading. "The system will push you to choose a side. To show your true face. And soon."
Before Kim-Do could answer, Joon had disappeared into the night, leaving behind a chilling prophecy.
Back home, Kim-Do looked at his reflection. Kim-Do's cold eyes stared at him, but behind them he felt the imposter's fatigue, the guinea pig's fear, and now the growing pressure of an impossible decision.
The system no longer tested him solely on his ability to imitate. He was testing it on his ability to become. And the question that haunted him then was no longer, "Will they find out?" But "Who am I going to have to be to survive?"
The performance was over. The metamorphosis, involuntary, began.