Purple Talent [Blackened]

When it comes to investigating targets, the Path of The Hunt and the Path of Remembrance are the most specialized. Incidentally, Wu Qiao's current levels in both are quite low. The Hunt is only at level three, and Remembrance has just reached level five; he hasn't even unlocked the most basic minor skills yet.

Fortunately, his Path of Erudition is already at level seventeen. Relying on the massive computational power granted by the Path of Erudition, even if he still cannot unlock the exclusive skills of the corresponding paths, he can at least amplify their passive effects to a certain extent.

The intuition of The Hunt and the observation of Remembrance were magnified several times over by the precise deductions of Erudition.

Relying on his foreknowledge of the plot, Wu Qiao quickly locked onto his target after school that afternoon: a male clerk at a digital store in the shopping mall.

Because there was more than one digital store on campus, Wu Qiao spent some time screening them to pinpoint the exact location, but for someone bolstered by the Path of Erudition, this was merely a slightly troublesome process.

After recording all the confirmed target information in his notebook, Wu Qiao did not rush to act. He first walked along the target's likely route to confirm the distribution of surveillance cameras along the way, then returned to the shoe lockers in the school building to confirm the blind spots of the surveillance system once more.

Okay, the next issue is how to access the surveillance footage.

Wu Qiao stroked his chin and fell into deep thought.

Uh... accessing surveillance requires a clear, legitimate reason and the corresponding authority; if that fails, one must spend money to pull strings.

A legitimate reason? If Sakura Airi were willing to come forward and testify, it would be easy, but given her timid nature, she would absolutely never dare to show her face.

As for authority, that goes without saying—as a regular student in Class D, he has none.

Spending money is easy enough; as long as he throws enough private points at the school, but this would be a rather wasteful expenditure.

Since the formal channels are blocked, he can only use unconventional methods. Why not just try to catch the culprit in the act?

Wu Qiao closed his notebook, a cold sneer tugging at the corner of his mouth. Since that pervert likes to hide in the shadows and peep, if the other party dares to act again, then he shouldn't blame Wu Qiao for fighting dirty.

Just as Wu Qiao was planning to head back to his dorm to rest, a message arrived on his terminal from Ichinose Honami. Having just finished her student council work, Ichinose Honami sent Wu Qiao a message, asking to sit down and chat.

Today is the day Ichinose Honami's new [Life Simulator] simulation begins.

Although she had asked some classmates for advice, she felt it was safer to ask the person himself; she was still afraid of the possibility of leading everyone astray in her simulation.

Soon, the two agreed to meet at an open-air cafe, with Ichinose Honami treating. Wu Qiao didn't like coffee, so Ichinose Honami thoughtfully ordered him a hot cocoa.

Wu Qiao looked at the smiling girl before him with some confusion and asked, "Why did you call me so suddenly?"

Ichinose Honami appeared a bit embarrassed; after all, it was quite awkward to ask the person involved about certain things. After hesitating for a moment, she gathered her courage and spoke: "Wu-kun, to you, what is the most important thing between people?"

Wu Qiao felt the question was abrupt and aimless. He picked up his hot cocoa, took a sip, and replied, "Adhering to contracts and promises—in short, trust. They are essentially the same thing."

Ichinose Honami blinked, clearly not expecting Wu Qiao's answer to be so blunt and pragmatic.

"Trust, huh..." Ichinose Honami repeated thoughtfully, then broke into a brilliant smile. "That's a very 'Wu-kun' style answer indeed! It feels very reliable."

Wu Qiao raised an eyebrow, keenly sensing the deeper meaning in her words. He set down his cup and looked at Ichinose Honami with a calm gaze: "Ichinose, you're asking this so suddenly—could it be that you've run into some trouble? If it's about student council work, perhaps I can offer some advice."

Ichinose Honami quickly waved her hands, smiling to cover it up: "No, no, I was just thinking about class unity and interpersonal relationships lately. After all, to lead Class B to Class A, I can't rely on myself alone; I must gain everyone's trust!"

Wu Qiao didn't expose her slightly stiff excuse, merely nodding faintly. He knew Ichinose Honami had her own secrets and considerations, and since she wasn't willing to be explicit, he wouldn't press the matter. However, judging by her specific inquiry, this Class B representative seemed to be cautiously laying the groundwork for some upcoming plans.

"If you want to gain trust," Wu Qiao added, "besides keeping promises, you also need to demonstrate reliable strength at critical moments. After all, having integrity without ability won't truly put people at ease."

Upon hearing this, the light in Ichinose Honami's eyes grew brighter. She nodded earnestly, taking those words to heart. It seemed that coming to meet Wu Qiao today was the right choice.

Deep in the night, only a dim bedside lamp remained lit in the dormitory. Ichinose Honami lay on her soft bed, taking a deep breath to calm her restless mind. Tonight was the critical moment for her new [Life Simulator] simulation to begin, and she had to be fully prepared before falling asleep.

She clearly organized her plan of action in her mind.

First, she must topple Nagumo Miyabi's influence. That man was like a Sword of Damocles hanging over her head; if she didn't eliminate this hidden danger early, the external pressure Wu Qiao would face during his second year would increase exponentially.

Second, confirm Wu Qiao's interpersonal network. She didn't want to repeat past mistakes, where she was backstabbed by some inexplicable "acquaintance" just as she and Wu Qiao were making great strides.

As for the third step, that was to maintain her relationship with Wu Qiao. No matter what, she had to keep things as friendly as possible; this was the core cornerstone of all her plans.

After confirming her train of thought was correct, Ichinose Honami silently recited the command to start.

[Enter simulation?]

[Yes]

[Drawing talent...]

[Congratulations on obtaining talent: Corruption (Purple)]

Looking at the line of purple text appearing in her field of vision, Ichinose Honami's heart skipped a beat, and a chill instantly crawled up her spine. She had gone to such great lengths specifically to prevent Wu Qiao from reaching a corrupted ending, so why... was it her turn to be corrupted this time?

She suppressed the panic in her heart and tremblingly tapped on the detailed description of the talent. As the lines of small text appeared, her tense nerves finally began to relax.

It turned out that this [Corruption] talent was not triggered unconditionally; it would only activate when facing "sufficiently great pressure" and when one's "mental defenses completely collapse." According to the current situation and the thorough preparations she had already made, the probability of this happening was negligible.

"Phew..." Ichinose Honami let out a long sigh of relief and patted her chest. It seemed this purple talent could basically be treated as a decorative item with no practical use.

Since the biggest hidden danger had been ruled out, there was nothing to fear. She closed her eyes and, filled with expectations for the future, officially stepped into a brand-new simulated life.