MANIPULATING OBSSESSION 29

Codename: Mamaratchi, that's what they call me. I am the most intrusive, relentless photo-journalist on this planet. Some might call it stalking, but I call it dedication to my craft. When I set my sights on a target, I never let go until I have uncovered every secret they possess.

And my latest obsession? The enigmatic adventurer known as Deth Jones.

"He's *ahem a bit handsome and is quite charismatic."

It all started with a simple assignment to cover the rising stars of the Adventurer Guild. Among the throngs of adventurers seeking fame and glory, Deth Jones stood out like a shining star in the night sky. His journey from a lowly Copper Ranker to a formidable Steel Ranker was a mystery that intrigued me.

But it wasn't just his swift rise in ranks that caught my attention. Rumors of his exploits circulated like wildfire. Some claimed he had single-handedly closed a dungeon gate, a feat unheard of for an adventurer of his rank. Others whispered about his involvement in uncovering hidden treasures and artifacts that were thought to be mere legends.

"I need to take this seriously and not be distracted by such a hunk....I mean a target that "I" have locked on!"

As I delved deeper into the life of Deth Jones, I stumbled upon a trail of victories and accolades that seemed too improbable for any ordinary adventurer. But Deth was far from ordinary; he was an enigma shrouded in mystery, and I was determined to unveil the truth.

My journalistic instincts led me to various sources, and soon I found myself tailing him on his adventures. I'd hide in the shadows, capturing every move he made, every spell he cast, and every decision he took. My camera lens followed him like a hawk, documenting his every move.

"This guy just keeps on surprising me, whenever I uncover a layer there's another thing to see....like an onion."

As my obsession grew, I noticed that Deth had recently gained recognition for creating a video game called "SnAKEY POO." The game's popularity was astounding, and it seemed like everyone in Frontier City was talking about it. The game was unique, tapping into the real world through the magic crystal smartphones, an innovation that had never been seen before.

But even as his game soared to new heights, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Deth than meets the eyes. I spent countless nights pouring over footage and images, trying to decipher the enigma that was Deth Jones.

I soon discovered that his adventures were not just about fame and fortune. There was a purpose behind every move he made, a sense of responsibility that drove him to protect the people and the land he loved. It wasn't just about being the best adventurer; it was about making a difference in the world.

"Finally! I'll get to see what all the fuss about his so called skills, I will now be able to personally look if the rumors are true or not...."

One fateful day, I received a tip about a subjugation request at the foot of Olympus Mons. Magma Golems were wreaking havoc, and the Adventurer Guild had enlisted Deth to assist a silver-ranked party in taking them down. This was my chance to witness his skills up close.

I carefully made my way to the site, hiding behind rocks and trees, determined not to miss a single moment. My heart raced with anticipation as I spotted Deth in the distance, standing tall and resolute among the members of the silver-ranked party.

"Gotta be careful about this, Adventurers' senses are especially heightened during dungeon raids or subjugation missions like these...."

As the battle ensued, Deth's prowess was on full display. His magic gun shot with uncanny accuracy, and his aura enveloped him like a shield. He moved with grace and precision, and it was clear that he was not just a Steel-Ranked adventurer; he was a force to be reckoned with.

But it wasn't just his combat skills that impressed me; it was his compassion and empathy for his fellow adventurers. He guided them, supported them, and worked seamlessly as a team. It was evident that he earned their respect and trust, and they looked to him as a leader.

"Aww jeez. He really lives up to the so called legend and so far, nothing about him is false....what to do.....what to do...."

In that moment, I realized that my obsession with Deth Jones had taken a turn. It was no longer just about uncovering his secrets; it was about understanding the man behind the adventurer. His actions spoke volumes about his character, and I couldn't help but admire him for it.

As the battle drew to a close, and the Magma Golems were vanquished, I knew that my journey had just begun. There was so much more to learn about Deth Jones, and I was determined to be there, capturing every moment, every triumph, and every challenge he faced.

"Nice! I captured that fight with 8K technology, oooh the videos are so crisp and clean....I can even see his clean smooth face up close, without the need to be close."

My role as a photo-journalist had evolved beyond mere intrusion; it had become a mission to tell the world the story of Deth Jones. I knew that behind the fame and success, there was a man driven by a sense of purpose, a man who sought to make a difference in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.

"You did good Deth, you enjoy this party because you fought hard and won....I too enjoyed those battles....shit....was I won over???"

So, as I watched Deth Jones celebrate his victory with the silver-ranked party, I knew that this was only the beginning of our journey together. I had set my target on him, and I wouldn't rest until I had revealed the truth behind the enigma of Deth Jones, the enigmatic adventurer who had captured the hearts of many.

I've always been a keen observer, but lately, I've noticed an unusual presence lingering around me. Someone has been watching, photographing, and possibly even filming my every move. At first, it was unnerving, but as days passed, I realized that this mysterious stalker, codenamed "Mamaratchi," had played right into my invisible hand.

"Shit! Its a good thing I found this little bitch stalker before she sees something she's not supposed to see...."

I discovered her presence while browsing through some files on my MagiCrystal smartphone. The face recognition algorithm revealed her identity - a relentless reporter named Mamaratchi. The more I dug into her background, the more I recognized the traits of those Earth reporters from my previous life. They were obsessive, seeking every opportunity to capture their subject's life, whether they wanted it or not.

"Now what should do to this little spy minx...."

I could have easily confronted her and put an end to her intrusive behavior, but instead, I decided to use her presence to my advantage. She thought she had me all figured out, that she could expose my secrets to the world. But little did she know that everything she saw was a facade, a carefully crafted image to manipulate her perception.

"I guess my acting skill is gonna be put to the test again...."

In recent days, I began acting differently, showing emotions of empathy, compassion, and kindness. It was all an act, a calculated display of emotions that I knew she would eat up. I knew that she thrived on capturing the "human" side of her subjects, and so I gave her exactly what she wanted.

With every seemingly genuine moment I displayed, Mamaratchi grew more convinced that she had me under her thumb. She thought she was unraveling the enigma that was Deth Jones, the adventurer with a heart. But what she didn't realize was that I was leading her along, steering her into the path I wanted her to follow.

"Hahaha....keep following my pet and see what you want to see and be embroiled in my grand illusion....without the need to use magic."

As we crossed paths in various locations, I made sure to give her just enough material to keep her captivated. I let her capture moments of me helping the citizens of Frontier City, interacting with children, and even sharing a few laughs with my fellow adventurers.

It was all part of my elaborate plan to control the narrative and mold her perception of me.

One evening, as I prepared to head out for another adventure, I spotted Mamaratchi lurking in the shadows. Instead of confronting her, I decided to play along. I allowed her to take her photographs, capturing moments of me gearing up and preparing for what she believed to be a dangerous quest.

Once I was sure she had enough material for her story, I made a show of waving her farewell, leaving her with the impression that I was a hero venturing into the unknown for the greater good.

"I hope you like a good show Mamaratchi-chirat-boorat....hihihihi...."

As the days passed, Mamaratchi's stories about me flooded the internet. She praised my empathy, compassion, and bravery, painting me as a shining example of what an adventurer should be. And the public, just as I anticipated, lapped it up. They saw me through her eyes, the eyes of a reporter they trusted.

But little did they know that everything Mamaratchi saw was merely a facade, a reflection of what I wanted them to see. Behind that mask, I remained the same enigmatic adventurer, driven by my own motives and goals.

"Everything seems to be happening according to what I planned, excellent!"

My plan to manipulate her perception was working flawlessly, and it was satisfying to see her fall into my trap. Mamaratchi's obsession with me had become my weapon, and through her, I was able to shape the image I desired.

But I knew I had to tread carefully. If she ever realized that she was being manipulated, her trust in me would crumble, and she might turn against me. So, I continued to play the part, maintaining the facade of a compassionate hero while remaining true to my own intentions.

"My naive pawn seems to be doing even better than I have ever imagined....no wonder politicians like these so called "mind games".

In the end, Mamaratchi's obsession with me had unwittingly become a tool to bolster my image and maintain control of the narrative. I knew that I had to keep her captivated, ensuring that she remained my unknowing ally in the world of public perception.

As I continued on my adventures, I couldn't help but marvel at the irony of the situation. A reporter who prided herself on uncovering the truth was unknowingly becoming a pawn in my grand scheme. And as long as my plan continued to succeed, I would let her believe she was in control while I silently pulled the strings from the shadows.

"Everything went according to keikaku, indeed."

*SMIRK