Chapter 54: Split Reputation
Fame.
It wasn’t just some background mechanic—fame was an actual stat in the original game.
It unlocked once you reached a certain level of favor with a faction, and the higher it rose, the more the world reacted to you. Sometimes subtly, sometimes catastrophically.
It could trigger hidden quests, attract allies—or draw out enemies from the shadows.
"I feel like I got the short end of the stick here," I muttered under my breath.
This reward was something I’d gone out on a limb for—risking exposure, tiptoeing around disaster. And if it turned out to be as basic as it was in the game... then it’d be a serious letdown.
"You noticed it too," Alice replied coolly, setting her teacup down with a faint clink. "Truly, a pity about the tea leaves wasted today."
"...Then I’ll practice more."
Alice latched onto my offhand remark like a hawk spotting prey.
Clack.
The sharp sound of porcelain meeting glass rang through the room as she adjusted her cup. Her face remained poised, but there was a sharpness in her gaze.