Day four of StarForge brought a different kind of test:
Team Challenge.
Four groups. One theme: "Transformation."
Each team had to produce a three-minute performance that would stream live across Asia.
Lina was voted team lead by default—popularity poll.
Kyra, Kieran, and two others were with her.
And so was Sora.
Of course.
From the moment rehearsals began, Sora played nice.
Too nice.
Compliments that veiled insults.
Questions that planted doubts.
"Lina, are you sure that choreography doesn't feel dated?"
"Maybe you should let Kieran take the lead in the middle—it would balance your presence."
"You're amazing, but sometimes it's intimidating. For the rest of us."
Lina didn't snap.
Didn't bite.
She just listened.
And adjusted.
---
> [System Notification: Psychological Threat Detected – Subtle Manipulation In Progress]
Counter Strategy Activated – "Redirect Focus Protocol"
---
During dress rehearsal, Sora "accidentally" unplugged the audio feed.
Again.
And again.
Until the director scowled. "One more delay and your team gets docked points."
Lina called for a ten-minute break.
Her team scattered.
Only Sora stayed.
"You're mad," she said, flipping her ponytail.
"No," Lina replied.
"I'm just wondering how many games you're willing to play before someone plays back."
Sora blinked, amused. "Is that a threat?"
"No," Lina said. "It's a countdown."
---
The live performance went on.
The lights flared.
The music started.
And everything clicked.
Kyra's fire. Kieran's charm. The group's synchronicity.
But it was Lina who pulled the audience into a trance.
Her smile was soft.
Her eyes?
Unforgiving.
And when she reached the final beat—facing the camera head-on—she whispered:
> "I don't need to destroy you. I'll just outlive you."
It wasn't scripted.
It was felt.
---
Social media exploded.
> "Lina Vale ate that stage like it owed her money."
"Sora who?"
"When pretty meets power—goodnight to the rest."
Backstage, Sora threw a makeup brush at the mirror.
It shattered.
"She thinks she's untouchable?"
A calm voice behind her said, "She isn't."
Mira.
Smiling like a promise.
"I can help you find her edges."
---
And somewhere in a high-rise office, Kael watched the scene in silence.
Then reached for his phone.
> "Begin full trace on Mira Lin."
His aide hesitated.
"But sir—"
Kael's voice was cold steel.
"She touched what's mine."