Actors Career

Ethan sat at the edge of the stage, bathed in the dim glow of the rehearsal lights. His hands trembled, the weight of Iago's words still heavy on his tongue. Even after returning from the System's simulation, the lingering sensation of deceit haunted him. Iago's venomous whispers had felt all too natural, and the line between acting and reality was growing dangerously thin.

The System pinged again.

Scenario Progress: 60%

Warning: Emotional Detachment Threshold Reached

Ethan frowned. The System had never issued a warning like that before.

Before he could dwell on it, the rehearsal door swung open. Veronica, his co-star playing Desdemona, strode in with her usual grace. She flashed him a smile, unaware of the storm brewing inside him.

"Ready for another round?" she asked, pulling out her script.

Ethan forced a smile. "Always."

---

The next simulation came without warning. The world blurred and reformed, placing Ethan back in the grand Venetian courtyard. This time, the scene was darker—both in tone and in lighting. Othello's face was shadowed with doubt and anger, his trust in Desdemona crumbling.

Ethan, now fully in Iago's guise, approached with practiced ease.

"My lord," Ethan began, his voice silkier than before. "I fear your noble heart may be too trusting."

Othello turned slowly, his eyes searching Ethan's face for answers. "And what would you have me do? Confront her?"

Ethan shook his head. "No. That would only push her further away. Instead, observe her. Watch how she behaves with Cassio. The truth will reveal itself."

The System chimed in his mind.

Objective Update: Increase Othello's doubt without arousing suspicion.

Ethan hesitated for the briefest of moments. How far was he willing to go?

But the scene demanded his full commitment. He leaned in, voice hushed and conspiratorial. "A word of caution, my lord. Trust is a fragile thing. Once broken, it can never truly be mended."

Othello's eyes hardened. The doubt was becoming something far more dangerous—jealousy.

---

As the simulation faded, Ethan found himself back in his apartment. His chest heaved, and a thin layer of sweat coated his skin. The words he had spoken as Iago echoed in his mind.

"Trust is a fragile thing…"

A knock at the door startled him. It was Veronica.

"Hey," she said softly. "You alright? You've been different lately."

Ethan stared at her, searching for the right words. But all he could see was Iago's influence, twisting even this moment into something darker.

"I'm fine," he lied, forcing another smile. "Just… getting into character."

Veronica studied him for a moment before nodding. "Well, don't lose yourself in the role. I need my scene partner, not Iago."

As she walked away, Ethan felt the weight of her words. The line between actor and character was blurring too much.

For the first time, he wondered if he was still in control—or if the mask of Iago was beginning to control him.