"Forcing you to recognize your own worth, forcing you to stop hiding. I imprisoned you here and cut off your contact with the outside world so you would understand—you have nowhere to run. Whether in the past or now, you cannot escape."
Rapunzel's heart clenched violently.
Looking into Ge Duo's dark green eyes, she suddenly realized that the woman before her was far more complicated than she had imagined.
"W-what exactly do you want?" Rapunzel asked softly, her voice filled with fear and confusion.
"I want to make you strong." Ge Duo stated her objective without hesitation.
"I want you to become the brightest rising star of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the indispensable core of Heaven Dou Team One, and the focus of the entire Heaven Dou Empire's younger generation. I want your name to spread across the continent and your Reputation Points to soar.
"Then, through the system, those Reputation Points will be converted into my resources."
She paused, a calculating smile curling across her lips.
"Of course, in the process, you will grow stronger as well. You will receive better cultivation resources, higher social standing, and greater strength. We will both get what we need. But—"
Ge Duo's gaze suddenly turned sharp as a blade.
"You must do exactly as I arrange. From the moment you enter Heaven Dou Royal Academy, you will be my, Ge Duo's, creation.
"Every appearance you make, every battle you fight, every display of a Soul Skill must be designed and approved by me. You will become my finest advertisement, showing the entire continent my potions and cultivation methods, drawing more factions to seek trades with me."
Rapunzel finally understood.
Ge Duo was not helping her, nor did she care about her.
She was merely using her, just as she had used Rapunzel's