The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Tokyo High, but James Lee had no intention of letting the day go to waste. Yamagishi and Kazutora were at his side, quietly observing the flow of students as he calculated his next moves.
[QuestSim Update – Level 4 → 5]Stats: Strength: 5 | Agility: 5 | Intelligence: 6 | Charisma: 5Skills: Observation +6 | Strategic Analysis +5 | Combat Awareness +3Perks: Leadership Insight, Aura of Authority, Tactical Vision, Influence Recognition
Today's objective was simple but crucial: meet Takemichi's friend group. To understand the dynamics of the school—and the timeline—James Lee needed to know every node of influence, every potential recruit, and every connection.
He spotted them first: Atsushi Sendo, tall with an approachable demeanor but a quiet strength; Takuya Yamamoto, a calculating, precise observer; and Makoto Suzuki, whose loyalty and courage were evident in small gestures. They were clustered near the lockers, laughing quietly, unaware of the new presence about to step into their orbit.
Yamagishi nudged Takemichi gently. "James… this is your friend group. They should meet him now."
James Lee stepped forward, smooth and confident, his James Lee persona radiating calm authority. "Hello," he said, voice even and inviting. "I'm James Lee. I've been working with Yamagishi for some time now. He speaks very highly of all of you."
The three boys looked up, slightly surprised. Takemichi flinched nervously, glancing at James Lee, but Yamagishi gave him a reassuring nod.
Atsushi stepped forward first. "Oh… uh, nice to meet you. Heard a lot from Yamagishi, huh?"
James Lee inclined his head slightly. "Indeed. Loyalty, intelligence, and courage—qualities I admire. If you're willing, I'd like to learn from all of you… and perhaps, in time, we can help each other grow."
Takuya raised an eyebrow, studying James Lee carefully. "Learning from you… huh? You seem… confident. Too confident, maybe."
James Lee's faint smirk didn't waver. "Confidence is earned through observation, strategy, and experience. I'm still learning—but I intend to master it."
Makoto spoke up next, curiosity bright in his eyes. "You work with Yamagishi… so you must be someone worth paying attention to. Can we trust you?"
The system pinged softly: [Social Perception Quest Initiated – Candidate Response: Positive]
James Lee's gaze softened slightly, deliberately engaging each of them. "Trust isn't given—it's demonstrated. Actions matter more than words. Stick with me, observe me, and you'll see why I am called James Lee. And perhaps, one day, you'll understand why the name Valhalla matters."
Takemichi, still nervous, whispered to James Lee, "Uh… they seem… nice, but strong too."
James Lee nodded, subtle but authoritative. "Exactly. That's why we observe, learn, and act carefully. Strength without guidance is wasted potential. With strategy, every one of you could be invaluable."
Yamagishi stepped forward, smiling faintly. "James… I think they like you. They're already curious."
The system confirmed subtle cues:[Candidate Loyalty Potential – High][Influence Recognition – Successful]
James Lee allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. His first recruits were loyal, his observation network was expanding, and now, the friend group—already pivotal in the TR timeline—was being gently pulled into his orbit of influence.
"This is just the beginning," James Lee murmured under his breath. "Every connection, every ally, every skill learned—building toward something greater. Valhalla isn't just a name… it's a foundation."
As the group continued talking, James Lee stepped back slightly, letting his presence be felt but not imposing. Observation first, influence second, action later. The threads of strategy were weaving themselves naturally.