Alex didn't make it ten steps outside the Denton Building before the System chimed.
Not ominous.
Cheerful.
Almost smug.
[Decision Node Unlocked]Primary Query: Origin Timestamp — System ActivationSecondary Query: Hidden Archives — Denton ServerWarning: Emotional Variables Detected (x4). Efficiency may be compromised.
Alex sighed.
"Of course it will be."
He slid Dr. Thorne's cloned card deeper into his pocket and headed toward the quad. The night air was cool, quiet—too quiet. That should've been his first warning.
It was when he reached the fountain that the ambush happened.
—Alex~!
He froze.
That tone alone shaved five years off his lifespan.
Maya was sitting on the fountain edge, legs crossed, laptop bag at her side. She looked perfectly calm, smiling sweetly. Too sweetly.
Next to her stood Jess, arms folded, eyes narrowed with forensic intensity.
On the bench behind them lounged Sophie, chewing gum, phone out, clearly recording something.
And leaning against a lamp post—because of course she was—Luna, hood up, glowing eyes faintly amused.
The harem had assembled.
⚠️ [Alert]You are surrounded.Escape Probability: 3.7%Recommended Action: Lie. Confidently.
Alex straightened his jacket and smiled.
—Hey. Fancy meeting you all out so late.
Maya tilted her head.
—You told me there was a network emergency, Alex.
Jess added flatly:
—And five minutes later, Ben burst into the data center like a deranged hall monitor screaming about Protocol 7B.
Sophie raised her phone.
—Say hi to the group chat. We titled the video "Ben Loses His Mind (Again)".
Luna chuckled softly.
—I warned you. Misdirection leaves ripples.
Alex mentally cursed her foresight.
💬 Harem Interrogation Phase Begins
—Okay—Alex said, holding up his hands—before anyone jumps to conclusions—
—Too late, Maya said brightly.
Jess stepped closer.
—You used me as bait.
—Temporarily—Alex corrected.
—You weaponized my competence, Maya said, still smiling. That was worse.
Sophie leaned forward.
—So. What did you get?
Silence.
Alex hesitated.
Bad move.
Luna's eyes sharpened.
—You succeeded.
System prompt flashed:
[Truth Threshold Breached]Partial disclosure recommended to preserve party cohesion.
Alex exhaled.
—Fine. I cloned a faculty-level access card.
Dead silence.
Then—
—YOU WHAT?! Jess and Maya said in unison.
Sophie's eyes sparkled.
—That's hot.
Jess shot her a look.
—Focus.
Maya pinched the bridge of her nose.
—Alex… do you have any idea how many laws, rules, and ethical boundaries you just pole-vaulted over?
—At least seven—Alex said calmly. —But none of them will notice.
Luna smiled.
—He used people, not systems.
—That's worse! Jess snapped.
Alex met their eyes, one by one.
—Listen. I didn't do this for fun. The Denton servers hold answers. About the System. About me. And possibly about why all of you are… involved.
That landed.
Maya's expression shifted first—curiosity bleeding through irritation.
—You think we're connected to it.
—I know you are, Alex replied.
Sophie slowly lowered her phone.
—So… this is a "we're all in danger but also destiny" thing?
—Yes.
Beat.
—Still hot, Sophie concluded.
Jess groaned.
🧠 Harem Dynamics Recalibration
Maya crossed her arms.
—Next time, you tell me before dragging me into your chess game.
—Noted.
Jess jabbed a finger into his chest.
—And you owe me coffee. Expensive coffee.
—Done.
Sophie grinned.
—And I want front-row seats when you break into the server.
—Absolutely not.
—Too late, Luna said calmly. —I already saw the future where we go together.
Alex blinked.
—We?
Luna leaned closer, voice low.
—Your success rate increases when we're near you. The System likes chaos. And affection.
The System chimed again, traitorous.
[Party Synergy Detected]Buff Applied: Unstable Harem AdvantageEffects: Luck ↑, Complications ↑↑
Alex closed his eyes.
—This is my life now.
Maya smirked.
—Tomorrow night. Denton servers.
Jess sighed.
—I can't believe I'm saying this… but if you're doing it, you're not doing it alone.
Sophie raised her phone again.
—Smile, guys. This is either the start of something epic or the documentary that gets us expelled.
Luna looked at Alex.
—So. What will you search first?
The System pulsed softly, waiting.
Alex smiled—the real one this time.
—First… I find out why the System chose me.
He paused, glancing at them.
—Then, we see what else it's been hiding.
[Next Objective Locked In]Operation: Origin TraceParty Members Involved: Too ManyEstimated Outcome: Glorious Disaster
And somehow, surrounded by chaos, suspicion, and four very dangerous women—
Alex had never felt more powerful.