Common Sense Manipulation App

Karl stared at his phone screen, raising an eyebrow.

"Clapping three times every time you see a bird? This keeps getting weirder, but whatever."

He slid his phone back into his pocket and started strolling slowly through the park. The evening breeze was cool, gently swaying the leaves. His eyes scanned for a suitable target for his next quest.

It didn't take long before he spotted a teenage boy sitting on a park bench, wearing a T-shirt with a famous band logo, eating ice cream. Nearby, a group of pigeons pecked at leftover bread on the ground.

He paused for a moment, thinking.

"This is the perfect target. Young enough, probably with a flexible mindset."

Pulling out his phone, he opened the app and typed:

"Target will feel that clapping three times every time they see a bird is a normal and important thing to do."

After double-checking the wording, he hit the [YES] button.

As always, the effects were immediate. The teenager suddenly stopped eating his ice cream, stared at the pigeons with a serious expression, and, for no apparent reason, clapped his hands three times.

Clap, clap, clap.

The pigeons, startled by the sound, flew away in a flurry. Some park-goers turned to look, but the teenager didn't seem to care. When the pigeons returned, he did it again.

Clap, clap, clap.

Karl nearly burst out laughing at the sight but managed to hold it in. Drawing attention was the last thing he wanted.

"Sixth quest completed," he muttered, checking his notifications.

---

[Tutorial Quest Progress: 6/20]

[Uncommon Points: 60]

He slid his phone back into his pocket and observed the teenager, who now looked confused. The boy stared at his hands as if wondering why he had been clapping. The manipulation's effect faded gradually. Within seconds, the teenager returned to enjoying his ice cream as if nothing had happened.

He let out a relieved breath. "Easy and hassle-free. This is almost too much fun."

As he walked away, another notification popped up.

---

[System Warning]

Small manipulations like this may seem harmless, but accumulated effects on the same individual can increase suspicion. Avoid overusing the app on the same target within a short time.

He frowned as he read the warning.

"So, if I manipulate people too often, they might start noticing something's off?"

He pondered for a moment. This was the first time the system had issued such a warning. While it seemed simple, it was clear there were bigger consequences behind this app.

He scanned the park around him. People passed by, each absorbed in their own world. But now, he couldn't see them as just ordinary individuals. Everyone in the park was a potential target—a pawn on the chessboard of manipulation he was slowly learning to master.

---

Lost in thought, a new notification appeared.

---

[Tutorial Quest 7/20]

Objective: Make someone feel that drawing small circles in the air with their hand is a lucky ritual they must do before making a decision.

Reward: +10 Uncommon Points

He chuckled softly. "Now this is starting to feel like some silly magic." Staring at the screen, he thought, "Alright, let's see who the next target is."

With light steps, he continued strolling through the park, ready to embark on his next little adventure.

As he walked down the path, his eyes scanned the crowd. He spotted a man in a suit standing near a food stall, seemingly deliberating over a snack.

"He looks way too serious for this," he thought, moving on.

A moment later, he noticed a young woman wearing large headphones, swaying slightly as she danced to music only she could hear. He stopped, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Perfect target," he murmured, pulling out his phone and opening the app again.

He typed:

"Target will feel that drawing small circles in the air with their hand is a lucky ritual they must do before making a decision."

After reviewing his words, he prepared to hit the [YES] button. Just as his finger was about to tap the screen, a soft yet familiar voice called his name from behind.

"Karl?"

He froze, his body tensing. He recognized that voice instantly. Slowly, he turned around and saw Maria standing a few meters away.

She smiled warmly, wearing a simple yet elegant white blouse paired with a knee-length skirt. Her brown hair flowed beautifully, shimmering under the late afternoon sun.

"How have you been? It's been a while," she said kindly, taking a step closer.

For a moment, he was at a loss for words. Maria's presence always had that effect—effortlessly graceful, kind, and captivating. She'd been his boss once, and he'd admired her from afar, both for her leadership and her gentle demeanor.

"I'm alright, Ma'am," he finally managed, though his voice came out awkwardly. "Just passing through the park."

"Good to hear. You look a bit thinner, though. Everything okay?" she asked, her tone genuinely concerned.

He swallowed hard, trying to compose himself.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, attempting to sound casual.

Maria's warm smile didn't waver. "I'm glad to see you. I've wondered how you've been doing since... well, since the layoffs."

The mention of his previous job made him falter slightly. Unemployed and still searching for a new position, it was a sore spot he didn't like to dwell on. But he also didn't want to seem desperate in front of her.

"Not yet," he admitted, forcing a small smile. "Still looking for the right fit."

Maria's expression softened with a hint of regret. She sighed.

"I'm really sorry about that. I tried to advocate for you with management, but the decision was final. I felt terrible that I couldn't help."

His eyes widened slightly. He hadn't realized how much Maria had cared or that she'd fought for him behind the scenes. A warm feeling spread through his chest, deepening his admiration for her.

"It's okay, Ma'am," he said, his voice sincere. "I know it wasn't your fault. The company was going through tough times. I really appreciate what you tried to do."

Maria's smile grew softer, relief evident in her eyes.

"You always had such a positive attitude. That's one of the reasons everyone liked working with you. I'm sure something better will come along."

He could only manage a slightly shy smile in return, his gratitude and respect for her growing stronger.

"If you ever need a recommendation or any help, don't hesitate to reach out, okay?" she added, glancing at her watch. "But I have to go now—I have a meeting to catch. It was really nice running into you."

"Thanks, Ma'am," he replied quietly, still a bit stunned. "It was nice seeing you too."

Maria waved goodbye with one last smile before walking away. He watched her disappear into the crowd, a mix of admiration and newfound motivation swelling inside him.

As she left, his gaze lingered for a moment longer than it should have, his thoughts slipping out as a quiet mumble.

"Her husband must be the luckiest guy in the world… I'm jealous."