Multiversal Legends: Hope Mikaelson, Malia Tate, Ciri, and Beyond

Chapter 4: Earning Trust, Facing Tension

Adam woke early the next morning in one of the Mikaelson compound's guest rooms. It was richly furnished but carried the same eerie, ancient charm that defined the rest of the estate. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension, and Adam could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on him even when he was alone.

< SYSTEM MESSAGE: Hollow absorption progress: 10%. Proximity requirement fulfilled. Current status: Stable. Potential resistance detected within the next 24 hours. >

Adam stretched, muttering to himself, "A quiet day's too much to hope for, huh?"

He checked his inventory, deciding it was time to start putting some items to use.

< Inventory:

Resurrection Crystal x4. Blank Spellbook. Starter Healing Potion x5. Advanced Combat Training Manual. Daily Points: 50,000.

"Alright, step one: deal with Klaus. Step two: prepare for whatever the Hollow throws at me."

The compound buzzed with its usual quiet activity, but the family's presence turned every interaction into a chess match. Adam found Klaus in the courtyard, sipping a glass of whiskey. His expression was unreadable, his posture stiff and guarded.

"Well, if it isn't the miracle worker," Klaus said without looking up. "Come to assure me you're not about to destroy us all?"

Adam smirked, leaning casually against a pillar. "Actually, I came to talk about you."

Klaus raised an eyebrow, setting his glass down. "Me? What could someone like you possibly have to say that I haven't already heard?"

Adam activated his appraisal ability.

< Subject: Klaus Mikaelson

Hidden Trait: Guilt-ridden protector. Beneath his ruthlessness lies a deep fear of losing his family.

Appraisal Note: Acknowledging his inner struggle and offering practical support will soften his distrust. Avoid patronizing tones. >

"Look, Klaus," Adam began, keeping his tone even, "I get it. You're the protector of this family, the one who's willing to do the dirty work to keep everyone safe. That's not an easy role, and it's made you… well, let's just say 'less trusting.'"

Klaus's eyes narrowed, but he didn't interrupt.

"I'm not here to threaten what you've built. I'm here because I can do something no one else can. If you give me a chance, I'll help secure the future you've been fighting for all these years."

Klaus studied him, his expression unreadable. "And what, exactly, do you get out of this? No one does something for nothing."

Adam shrugged. "I like fixing things. Call it a personal quirk. Besides, I want Hope to have a future where she's free from the Hollow. That's my motivation."

Klaus leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze softening slightly. "You speak well, but words are cheap. Show me results, and maybe we'll talk again."

< SYSTEM MESSAGE: Klaus Mikaelson's trust progress: 20%. Next major milestone requires an act of proof. >

As Adam walked away, he bumped into Rebekah, who was lounging by the fountain with a glass of wine in hand.

"Trying to win Nik's approval, are you?" she asked, smirking.

Adam appraised her, noting her guarded but curious demeanor.

< Subject: Rebekah Mikaelson

Hidden Trait: Yearning for independence. Despite her loyalty to her family, she longs for a life of her own.

Appraisal Note: Engaging her in genuine conversation and respecting her dreams will build rapport. >

"Not just Klaus," Adam replied smoothly. "I'm trying to convince all of you that I'm not a threat."

Rebekah chuckled. "Good luck with that. Nik's trust is harder to earn than a peaceful family dinner."

Adam grinned. "So I've heard. But what about you? What would it take to convince you?"

Rebekah tilted her head, intrigued by the question. "Honesty, for one. And maybe a bit of charm."

"Noted," Adam said with a wink, making her laugh.

Later that day, Adam found Hope in the study, poring over a spellbook with a frustrated expression.

"Homework?" Adam teased, pulling up a chair beside her.

Hope glared at him but didn't push him away. "Trying to figure out how to keep the Hollow from killing everyone while you're doing… whatever it is you're doing."

"Fair point." Adam opened his blank spellbook and set it on the table.

Hope's eyes flicked to it. "What's that?"

"Think of it as a magical notebook," Adam explained. "I can copy spells into it or even create my own. Mind if I borrow one of your books? I want to see if I can whip something up to reinforce the wards around the compound."

Hope hesitated, then slid one of the older grimoires toward him. "Don't mess it up."

Adam smiled. "No promises."

As night fell, the system chimed again.

< SYSTEM MESSAGE: Hollow resistance detected. Prepare for spiritual attack within the next hour. >

Adam frowned, rising from his seat. "Looks like things are about to get interesting."

Hope stood, her expression sharp. "What's happening?"

"The Hollow's fighting back," Adam said, pulling a small vial of potion from his inventory. He handed it to Hope. "Here. Drink this if things get dicey. It'll boost your magic temporarily."

Hope stared at him, then nodded, her trust in him growing by the second.

< SYSTEM MESSAGE: Hope Mikaelson's trust progress: 30%. >

The air in the compound grew heavy, the lights flickering as dark energy began to swirl. Adam squared his shoulders, his eyes glowing faintly as he prepared to face whatever the Hollow threw at him.

"Stay close," he told Hope, his voice steady. "This is going to get ugly."

To Be Continued...

PS. THIS FANFIC IS PARTIALLY CREATED BUY AI