They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 644: ... With a Little Sacrifice

"From what I have seen so far, you are already defeated. I don’t even like working with losers like you, but I’ll give you one chance. Don’t make me ask twice." The person let the words hang, and the air around Linda felt suffocating.

By now Linda knew something was very wrong. She tried to speak, to force the stranger to show their face, but the pressure rolled over her like a tide. "I will never help you," she said, voice thin.

"You don’t have a choice." The answer was cold. "You already know too much. Either you work with me, or you be silenced. Permanently." The voice warped for a second, distorted and low, and a chill crawled down Linda’s spine.

"I—I—" Linda stammered.

"Sweetheart." The voice flipped back to normal, soft and cruel. "You’re already missing two exams. You’ll probably repeat this year. And her, Nnenna, she’s only getting brighter. The boy you love, George, will never look your way again. He’ll become her admirer. He’ll move on, and you’ll be left watching him fall for someone else while you keep failing, year after year, until you give up."

Linda’s mouth opened. "H-how do you know that?"

"Because I can see the past, the present, and the future," the person said plainly. "That’s why I brought you this golden chance to rewrite your fate."

Linda felt something shift. Her resistance wavered; the stranger’s certainty made the future suddenly feel fragile. If this person could make the room bend and the locked door hold no barrier, maybe, just maybe, they really knew what they claimed.

"Opportunity comes only once, Linda." the person said, watching Linda’s doubt turn to something softer. "I can make all your pain go away. I can make sure you pass every exam, perfectly."

"My first major?" Linda asked, doubtful.

"Already done, once you agree." The voice was confident, final. "I can make you stand on the pinnacle of the world and rule." The tone grew domineering. "All you have to do is bow to me, dear, and everything you’ve ever wanted will be yours. Who’s more important, Nnenna, or your fate, your life, your bright future with George?" the person asked. "And who knows, George might become irrelevant once I lift you to where you were always meant to be." They teased.

"So... what’s it going to be, little girl? Do we have a deal?" The person released the pressure that had been pressing Linda down, making sure she was willing.

Linda wiped sweat from her face and stood up straight. Her voice was quiet at first. "All I’ve ever wanted is to help others. To be my best self so I can help others be theirs. To make this world better." She paused, thinking.

"And it will be... with a little sacrifice," she added, eyes hard and wet with anger.

"We have a deal," she said, staring the person dead in the eye.

"Very good." The voice softened. "I’ll tell you what to do when the time is right. Do not fail me." The person’s form faded, leaving the warning hanging in the air.

---------

the examination hall, the atmosphere was tense as the exams went on. The last few

student, Linda," the MC called out,

Silence.

called again, glancing around. The murmurs began almost

is she?"

another voice

down at his list. "If she’s not here, let’s

"I’m here!"

Heads turned. Linda

climbing up

Some students whispered, others rolled their eyes. The judges exchanged

but disappointed look. "You should have been here on time, Student Linda," she said evenly. "But since you made it, compose yourself and

said sharply. "You were given enough time to prepare. This kind of lateness

lightly. "Let’s not make a scene," he said. "She’s here now. We’ll judge her by her performance, not

the room eased a little, though Linda could still feel the weight of their stares. Her heart pounded as she faced them,

she had to prove

for her third major exam, Adaptability. A hush fell over the crowd, the kind of silence that carried

the one she had to win. Not just for herself... but

announced. "Your third major exam begins

eyes flicking briefly toward the judges’ table. Chinyere, Hannah, and Clifford all watched her intently. Chinyere’s expression was calm and professional. Hannah’s eyes carried mild curiosity, while Clifford leaned back, skeptical, as if already judging

to life, projecting a series of rapid situational changes, environmental shifts, emotional triggers, unexpected challenges, each designed to test

she handled them with sharp precision. Her answers were confident, quick, and logical. She adjusted to every twist like someone used to thinking on her feet. Even the virtual simulation on

went blank. The words she needed... just wouldn’t come.

muttered. "Seems

slightly as she clenched a part of her dress wrinkling it

that was when she

from somewhere deep in her mind,

believe you don’t know it. Then again, a deal’s a deal. Listen, adaptation isn’t control,