Lina didn't go home right away.
Instead, she walked.
Through the glittering, echoing streets of downtown, her thoughts churned in rhythm with her footsteps. Kael's words still rang in her ears.
> "Then the danger becomes mine."
No one had ever said that to her.
No one had ever meant it.
She had always been the danger. Or worse—the burden.
But now…
---
[System Notification: New Passive Skill Activated – Aura: Soft Power]
[Description: Presence enhancement linked to personal growth and confidence. Effective in social, performance, and negotiation situations.]
[Level: 1 | Progression based on real-world impact]
[System Comment: They'll start to feel you before they understand you.]
---
At Crystal Tide Studios, whispers were already starting.
"That's her."
"Kael's project?"
"No way—he never backs anyone."
"She crushed the Jiwoo audition. Had the whole panel hooked."
"She's too quiet. Something's off."
"Or maybe that's exactly why she's dangerous."
---
Lina walked in with her head high.
Not out of pride.
But purpose.
Noel Hwan spotted her from across the lobby. He tossed his script on a couch and made his way over.
"You looked different today."
She raised a brow. "Is that a compliment?"
"Observation," he said. "Your eyes stopped apologizing."
---
The director of Evening Blossoms confirmed her role with a formal email later that afternoon.
Lina Vale would be Jiwoo.
Her first real part. Not background. Not extra.
Lead.
---
[System Task Completed – Breakthrough Role Secured]
[Reward: Acting Aptitude +2, Public Awareness Level 1 Unlocked, 50,000 credits transferred to secure account (untraceable)]
[Note: Currency protected via System's Phantom Wallet. Immune to legal detection or fraud claims.]
[System Comment: Remember when you couldn't speak without shaking? Look at you now.]
---
That evening, her phone buzzed.
> Unknown Contact:
Heard you landed the part. You just made someone very angry.
—R
Her fingers paused above the screen.
Then typed:
> And?
The reply came fast.
> Good. Let them come.
---
Meanwhile, in a studio boardroom across town, a woman in red heels paced.
"Kael Montrevé has his eye on her."
"Just an orphan actress," the man scoffed.
The woman turned slowly. Her tone sliced like a knife.
"She took a role from one of mine. And Kael never wastes attention."
She reached for a glass of wine, her smile razor-thin.
"Let's see how she does when we pull a few strings."
---
System Alert: Hostility Detected – Passive Threat Level Rising
Security Protocols Standing By
---
Later that night, Lina stood before her mirror.
The girl looking back at her wore the same face—but not the same soul.
"I'm going to make it," she whispered. "No matter what it takes."
---
System Log: Lina Vale
Public Awareness: Lv. 1 (Emerging Talent)
Role Status: Confirmed
Threat Level: Moderate
Passive Skill: Soft Power – Active
Support Network: Growing
Enemies: Unknown Parties – Monitored
Emotional Status: Focused
---
End of Chapter 21