MTLNOVEL Chapter 12: Chapter 12: The Love Rival
As I walked back toward my team, still buzzing from the win and the rewards, another notification echoed in my mind. This time, the voice of Hathor was more deliberate, more insistent.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
New Side Mission: Help Todd Investigate the Class President of Janet's Academy
Objective: Help Todd find out who the class president of Janet's academy is that has romantic feelings for Janet. Once identified, confront him and convince him to stop pursuing her. If he refuses, you'll have to use force to make him understand.
Rewards: Max out Todd's loyalty meter to 100%, [Genius Strategist] skill card, New form of skill
Punishment: Todd's loyalty meter will dropped below 50% and he will betray the team!
It was strange, how everything always seemed to tie together. Now that Todd's loyalty meter was at 85%, I was given a new side mission—one that involved protecting Janet once again. This time, it wasn't about her own insecurities or doubts; it was about someone else. Someone with power at the academy. The class president.
I saw in Janet's profile that she also have some feelings for this guy, so its best that I get rid of him as soon as possible before Todd gets any wrong idea and conflicts with spur between them!
The situation had grown tense the following morning. Todd had been keeping an eye on the academy's happenings, and somehow, rumors had started circulating about the class president's feelings toward Janet. From what Todd had gathered, the president's affections were real—perhaps too real. He wasn't just admiring her from afar, though. He had been trying to get closer, trying to claim her attention in ways that had crossed boundaries. Todd, naturally, wasn't having it.
I already know all of this from Janet's profile and the mission's description, but I still act like I don't know anything and listen to Todd tell his story. He says that Janet had been acting weird recently and he's worry so he decided to ask her friends about what is happening to Janet inside their academy. They then told him about the class president showing hints that he has a crush on Janet!
"He's going to ruin everything," Todd muttered as we sat in the back room of the cafe, a corner away from prying eyes. "I can't let him get to her."
I nodded, sensing the intensity in Todd's words. We knew the president had a lot of influence over the school, but what good was power if you used it to hurt people you cared about?
"Let's figure out who he is," I said, glancing at the data feed on my phone. "Once we have him, we'll deal with it. Diplomatically first. If he doesn't listen… well, we'll make him listen."
Todd's expression hardened, determination flashing in his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect her."
It didn't take long for us to narrow down the possibilities. Todd was methodical, piecing together bits of gossip, triangulating on certain clues, and cross-referencing conversations he'd overheard. We finally pinned down the class president's identity—Adrian Price, a charismatic student with a reputation for being a perfect student, smart, charming, and adored by many. His recent behavior around Janet, however, had started to raise eyebrows.
That afternoon, we confronted Adrian in a quiet area behind the school. Todd stood tall beside me, his mind already racing through potential strategies.
"Adrian Price," I yelled, walking up to him. "We need to talk."
He glanced at us, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Well, well. If it isn't the number one genius of our rival's academy. What's this about?"
Todd stepped forward. "We know what's been happening, Adrian. You've got feelings for Janet, but she's not interested. You need to stop."
Adrian's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and amusement. "And what if I don't?" he asked, his voice condescending.
Todd took a step forward, his stance unyielding. "Then I'll have to make you understand. She's not yours to claim, and if you keep pushing, you'll regret it."
Adrian smirked, clearly underestimating the seriousness in Todd's tone. "You think you can scare me, Todd? I don't think you know who you're dealing with."
I didn't like where this was going. This wasn't going to end with a friendly chat.
"Stop the act, Adrian," I said, stepping between him and Todd. "You can either walk away now and stay out of Janet's life, or I can make you understand that you've crossed a line you shouldn't have. And believe me, you won't like the consequences."
Adrian's smile faltered, his arrogance replaced with hesitation. It was obvious he hadn't expected a confrontation like this, not from people like us.
"Last chance," Todd said. "Leave her alone."
But Adrian stood his ground. "You think I'll back down to threats? I won't. Not from anyone."
The tension in the air was palpable. I looked at Todd, who seemed ready to act, and then turned my attention back to Adrian.
"Well then, I guess we'll have to make you understand the hard way," I said coldly. I wasn't one to back down from a challenge, especially when it involved protecting someone important to me—and to Todd.
Before Adrian could respond, I saw the change in Todd's demeanor. He was ready. His hand shot forward, and with a quick motion, he grabbed Adrian by the collar, slamming him into the brick wall behind him.
"You don't want to push us, Adrian," Todd's voice was low, dangerous. "We're not asking anymore. We're telling you."
Adrian's expression twisted with a mix of fear and defiance. He had no choice now but to listen. Todd was a genius strategist, and in this moment, he was showing just how far he would go to protect those he cared about.
I stood back, arms crossed, waiting. If Adrian tried anything else, I'd step in, but it seemed like the confrontation had made its point.
Finally, Adrian looked away, his voice tight. "Fine. I'll stay away from her. But don't think you've won." His tone was bitter, but there was no fight left in him.
Todd released him with a shove, pushing him back. "It's over. You know where we stand now. Stay out of our way."
As Adrian stumbled away, defeated, I looked at Todd. There was no anger in his eyes—just the cold, calculated satisfaction of a victory that had been earned.
"Thanks for handling it, Todd," I said, clapping him on the back.
Todd only nodded. "I told you. I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Side Mission: Help Todd Investigate the Class President of Janet's Academy — Completed!
Rewards:
Todd's Loyalty Meter has reached 100%.
Gained Talent: Proficient in Mathematic, Physic, and Hacking
Gained [Genius Strategist] skill card.
Unlocking new type skill based on your bond with Todd: Strategic Ally.
As Todd and I walked back home, the quiet of the evening settled around us. The confrontation with Adrian was over, and the weight that had been hanging over us seemed to lift with every step we took. The streetlights flickered on one by one, casting a soft glow on the sidewalk.
"That went better than I thought," Todd remarked, his voice casual now that the tension had dissipated.
I nodded, glancing at him. "Yeah, you handled it well. You were ruthless. I like it."
Todd gave a half-smile, his usual calculated expression returning. "When it comes to protecting what's important to me, I don't mess around."
We walked in silence for a few more moments, but something in the air seemed off. A soft rustling noise from behind us caught my attention. I turned my head slightly, just in time to see a familiar figure standing in the shadows near a corner. Janet.
She had been watching us the entire time.
Janet's eyes met mine for a brief moment, then shifted to Todd. Her expression was thoughtful, but there was a softness in her gaze that hadn't been there before. I couldn't help but notice the subtle smile that curved her lips.
Todd, oblivious to her presence, continued walking ahead. I lingered for a moment, knowing that Janet had witnessed the entire encounter—the way Todd had stood up for her, the way he had fiercely protected her without hesitation. She was quiet, but her gratitude was clear.
I caught her gaze again, and this time, she didn't look away.
She was glad. Glad to have a boyfriend like Todd, who would go to any lengths to protect her. Glad to have a friend like me, who would back him up without question.
As we made our way home, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my chest. I hadn't expected the situation with Adrian to resolve so smoothly, but here we were. Our bond had strengthened, and Janet was safe.
But as we walked, the voice of Hathor echoed in my mind, breaking the silence.
"William, now that you've handled Adrian, you should tell Janet to directly end things with him. No more subtlety. She needs to close that door for good, or it'll always hang over her head."
I mulled over her suggestion. She was right. If Adrian's obsession with Janet wasn't put to rest now, it would only linger and cause more problems later. It was time to ensure that she could move on from him completely.
"Hey, Todd," I said, my voice thoughtful as I looked at him. "We might need to talk to Janet about Adrian. It's better if she ends things directly with him. No more hesitation."
Todd nodded slowly, a quiet understanding passing between us. "You're right. We'll make sure it's done."
And so, as we continued to walk home, our thoughts were heavy with the future. Janet had witnessed Todd's actions, and there was no doubt in my mind that it had cemented their bond further. But with Adrian still in the picture, there was one more thing to settle—once and for all.
For now, though, we walked on, not knowing that the road ahead was about to get even more complicated.