Actors Career

Ethan couldn't sleep that night. The System's warning replayed in his mind.

Warning: Emotional Detachment Threshold Reached.

The words haunted him more than Iago's. Was it simply a metric, or was the System genuinely worried about him? Either way, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking a dangerous path.

His phone buzzed. A message from Veronica.

Veronica: Let's rehearse tomorrow. We've got to nail the final scene.

The final scene. Ethan closed his eyes, imagining Othello's descent into madness. He could feel it—the weight of Iago's lies and the power they wielded. How much of it was still acting?

---

The Final Simulation

The simulation activated before Ethan could fully prepare himself. His apartment melted away, replaced by a dimly lit bedroom. Desdemona lay sleeping, her face peaceful. Othello loomed over her, torn between love and rage.

Ethan, once again Iago, stood in the shadows.

"My lord," Ethan whispered, his voice dripping with malice. "The time has come. Your doubts have festered long enough."

Othello turned, his expression twisted with pain. "But what if I'm wrong? What if she is faithful?"

The System chimed.

> Objective: Push Othello to the point of no return.

Ethan clenched his fists. This isn't a game. This is too real.

Yet the scene demanded his next line.

"Then you would be a fool," Ethan/Iago said coldly. "Do you wish to live in ignorance, or claim your justice?"

Othello nodded slowly, drawing his blade.

The System pinged again.

> Final Objective: Ensure Desdemona's fate.

Ethan felt his stomach twist. He couldn't go through with this.

"Stop," Ethan whispered. "End the simulation."

Access Denied.

His heart pounded. Othello raised the blade higher.

"No!" Ethan shouted, stepping into the light. "This isn't right! She's innocent!"

Othello froze, his eyes narrowing. "You've changed your tune, Iago."

The System recalculated.

> Deviation detected. Recalibrating.

---

Reality Blurs

Ethan woke with a jolt, gasping for air. His apartment was silent, but the System's presence still lingered in his mind. He rushed to the console, desperate to shut it down.

Access Denied. Simulation Lock Active.

The knock at his door made him jump.

Veronica entered, her brow furrowed with concern. "Ethan, you've been off all day. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," he lied again, the words automatic.

She studied him carefully. "Are you sure? Because whatever you're doing to prepare for this role… it's starting to scare me."

Ethan forced a smile. "It's just the process."

Veronica sighed. "Well, don't get lost in it. You're not Iago."

Her words should have reassured him, but they only deepened his fear.

---

The Final Rehearsal

On stage, the final scene played out. Veronica, as Desdemona, knelt before him, pleading for her life.

Ethan's hands trembled as he delivered Iago's final lines, weaving his web of lies until Othello made his fatal decision.

As Othello collapsed over Desdemona's body, Ethan felt a strange sense of detachment. The tragedy felt too real.

The audience clapped, but Ethan barely heard it. His gaze locked on Veronica, lying motionless on the stage floor.

For a brief moment, he wondered if she was still breathing.

The System chimed softly in his mind.

> Scenario Complete: 100%.

Well done.

Ethan froze. It was just a performance. But was it?

---

The Aftermath

Backstage, Ethan sat in silence, staring at his reflection in the mirror. His face looked unfamiliar—like someone else entirely.

Veronica appeared behind him, her expression soft. "We did it. The show's a hit."

Ethan nodded absently. "Yeah… we did."

Veronica leaned closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You were brilliant tonight. But don't let Iago consume you."

He met her gaze in the mirror. "I won't."

But deep down, he wasn't so sure.

---

Epilogue

Later that night, Ethan stood before the System console.

"End program," he whispered.

The System responded with a single line:

Why would you want to stop? You're perfect now.

Ethan's reflection flickered on the screen, morphing into Iago's sly grin.

He reached for the power switch, but hesitated. The System's voice echoed in his mind.

"Trust is a fragile thing…"

For the first time, Ethan realized he didn't know who he could trust—especially not himself.

And he never told anyone about the System.

Some secrets are too dangerous to share.