Adam sat cross-legged on the floor of his Hell's Kitchen apartment, a half-eaten slice of pizza in one hand, his phone in the other. The system UI glowed softly in his mind, stats flickering like a stock ticker.
He had spent the last two days roaming the city, "testing" emotional manipulation like a mad scientist in a social experiment. And the results?
Incredible.
All it took was a few words—carefully chosen compliments, subtle insults, well-timed provocations—and the system responded like a slot machine. New Yorkers were emotional gold mines.
And rich people? Even better.
[Minor Happy Detected – Fashion Influencer]Reward: +$300, +1 Charisma
[Minor Rage Detected – Real Estate Agent]Reward: +2 Strength
[Medium Hate Detected – Corporate Executive]Reward: Talent Fragment: Negotiation (7%)
[Medium Intrigue Detected – Socialite]Reward: +1 Intelligence, +$800
Adam let out a low chuckle, scrolling through the burner phone the system provided. It was now linked to a dummy Venmo-style app where all the system-generated cash flowed through.
"Forget freelancing,forget getting a job all i need is to learn more insults haha" he muttered, licking pizza grease off his thumb. "I'm running on petty emotion-fueled capitalism now."
All he had to do was walk into a high-end boutique in SoHo, fake some clout, and drop a perfectly timed backhanded compliment.
"You know, you almost pull off that look. It's just brave… how you're going for a homeless outfit. Bold move. you just need a cup or a cap to recive money"
The lady had gone red with fury.
[Strong Embarrassment + Rage Detected]Reward: +$1,200, +1 Charisma, +2 Stamina
Easy money. Easy stats. No violence. No crimes… technically .i jsut hope i dont make the wrong person mad otherwise I will be the easy crime.
He stood up and stretched, his body already feeling stronger, leaner. The system had a way of adjusting his physique with each stat increase—nothing drastic yet, but noticeable.
He wasn't just growing. He was evolving.
Later that evening, Adam walked through Midtown wearing a cheap suit and confidence like a cloak. He'd chosen a rooftop bar famous for attracting trust fund kids and minor celebrities.
The goal? Trigger reactions. Make waves. Cash in.
And it worked.
Some girl with a podcast asked for his opinion on "men in power." Adam leaned in and said:
"Power doesn't corrupt. It just exposes the rot already inside. You'd be surprised how many of your idols stink."
Her shocked silence earned him a flicker from the system.
[Medium Intrigue + Disgust Detected – Aspiring Influencer]
Reward: +$500, +1 Luck Point Progress (2/10)
A man nearby in a designer suit tried to put him in his place, calling him a "nobody."
Adam smiled and leaned close. "Funny. I didn't know nepotism came with free delusions of grandeur."
[Strong Rage Detected – Trust Fund Investor]
Reward: +$2,000, +2 Strength, +1 Charisma,
Talent Fragment: Intimidation (4%)
"Thanks for your donation "Adam wisperd
By the time Adam left, he had five new talent fragments, over $4,000, and the bartender's number—not because he flirted, but because she sensed something about him.
It wasn't just about farming emotion anymore.
He was shaping his legend.
Back at the apartment, he opened his notepad.
🗒️ EMOTION FARM STRATEGY – UPDATED:
Focus targets: Wealthy, entitled, proud, easily provoked.
High-density zones: Rooftop bars, art galleries, fundraisers, political meetups.
Secondary target: Empaths and activists — easy to trigger Happy or Intrigue with thoughtful responses.
Don't overdo insults. Charisma build is just as useful as rage farming.
Develop "persona": mysterious, brilliant, slightly dangerous.
[Current Stats:]Strength: 8
Intelligence: 14
Stamina: 8
Charisma: 8
Luck: 0 (Progress: 2/10)
[Talent Fragments:]
Astrophysics – 12%
Cooking – 1%
Emotional Insight – Basic
Streetwise – Basic
Lie Detection Resistance – 6%
Negotiation – 7%
Intimidation – 4%
Adam stood at the window, gazing out at the glittering skyline. He took a deep breath, and for a moment, it felt like the city was his—just waiting to be played like a violin.
"No more freelancing," he murmured. "No begging. No hustling."
He smiled darkly.
"I'm going to weaponize emotions—and build an empire off their fragile egos. "