Jana didn't get the chance to know what Gio's reaction would be like once those words entered his ears. The simple sentence didn't reach the man, courtesy of her trusted companion in this crime, Denise. It was one of those days she decided to be smart and do it her own way. Denise became deaf to her every orders and chose to act according to whim. At first, Jana almost went nuts in worry. One awful mistake and it will crush Gio's fragile opinion of her and their thin thread of friendship will go flushed down the pipes. The stakes were high and she can't afford to lose. Before she could track down the woman and personally drag her out of the hall, Denise halted all of her complaints with just two words. "Howdy, Gio!" Denise shamelessly took the seat beside Giovanni. Jana can see the man's expression through the spy cam. "I see you're enjoying your time here. Oh, you look more handsome than before. Can I hold your cheeks for a moment? You nailed that look! So adorbs." It's clea
Jana woke up with an intense pain in her stomach. The residual ache on her guts made her squirm while whimpering on the side. It was cold. When the temperature registered her mind, it sent an awkward tingle on her spine. Jana struggled to push down the need to vomit. Right now she needed the presence of her Auntie Sera. “Host, there's a pill than can help you stabilize in no time. I can find the most affordable tablet in the system. Would you like one?” 'How much? Bring me one.' Jana gritted her teeth. She can't even sit because of her legs. She could only roll on the smelly asphalt. "Vivien… please." “Host, it's 150 per tablet.” Jana made a brief calculation in her mind before sputtering, 'You think I can afford that? I can't have zero points again! Your game will delete me! Vivien, just choke on your spit!' Her system became quiet. Jana reckoned she might be sulking right now. 'I don't care. She can't even help me? What AI!' "Queenie, are you awake now? Tsk. Stop rolling.
If Jana could have a chance to extend one hour of Queenie's life, she would do something she never thought to do before. It is to flip Queenie's childhood photos one by one and see what kind of person she is. The woman is full of contradictions. She did everything to make a person detest her so they won't ask for a chance to get closer. To get to know her. Because even the 'old' Queenie didn't know the distinctions between the foods she likes and what she don't want. The lines distinguishing both of them has long been burned that when she decided to turn back and live her life the way she wanted it, it was long gone. "I tried to tell you before not to open yourself to wrong people but then look, Queenie! You still did!" Silvia was hysterical while laughing. Jana was motionless as she tightens the grip on her head. Silvia decided that she's not close enough. The woman held her head and bashed it on the floor once. Jana was still at the confused state because of the pain. For the f
Jana lost her consciousness the moment Gio called Queenie's name. She felt resigned and tired. There's no way her face was still attractive after being hit countless times on the pungent floor. She's bruised up black and blue. Everything hurts for her. Jana doesn't have enough confidence left to turn and ask him if he's okay. Giovanni had seen Queenie on her most pitiful state. She felt weak in the knees. This trauma will be imbedded in her soul forever. It's a question if she can still sleep without the lights on after this. Jana reckons she might never close her eyes again. The smell of cold sterilization and detergent from the blanket welcomed Jana’s consciousness back to the present. She doesn’t know how long had she gone asleep, or how huge was the damage inflicted on her during the kidnapping incident. ‘I’m in a hospice.’ Jana sighed with relief. ‘Much better than that disgusting place.’ "Hey…" A warm, slightly calloused hand touched Jana's face. She opened her eyes in ab
SECOND INSTANCE: The Augustus' Fourth Year Class Of 2046 Jana opened her eyes only to see a burnt face in front. Her first reaction was to scream on top of her lungs before rolling to the side. She then noticed that her body has been lying down for quite a while now. Probably sleeping or taking a nap because of the sluggish feeling in her limbs. Jana inspected the scalded head. It was hanged by a rope to the ceiling. She was relieved to know that the face doesn't belong to any human-like figure or she's going to loose her last screws in the head. Jana wasn't over Silvia's stunned expression when she died. There's no way she's going to agree seeing another in this second mission! “Host, do you like to open the plot summary now?” Vivien inquired. “Welcome to the second world! Only one instance left before the host can enter the centre!” "How can I be optimistic about that right now? Do you see that mess hanging down? This doesn't give me a good feeling, Vivien!" Jana sat up fro
"Vivien, is there any way to know who's the other player within the game?" Jana posed to see if the maroon plaid skirt suits her legs. She didn't like how short her legs looked from afar. Compared to the female protagonist, she is a total midget! "I mean, I have to know them. As a system, you're supposed to have cheats for me, right?" Vivien went quiet. As if it doesn't know why Jana was asking so much when she already got the best parts. Jana hates how useless she is before but now she's thinking if Vivien has another purpose other than giving her hell. “Host, that's something no one can interfere. It's destiny. Nobody knows how these things work.” "Oh, so you've got no use on that?" Jana stalked inside Myriad's dorm and noticed that aside from her clothes, there's not much personal belongings inside. Jana frowned. If she happened to own a dorm like this, she will bring everything from her house for an easy access. That way, she won't miss home that much. Maybe Myriad has nothin
Jana spent the morning getting to know Austin and asking about the things she barely understood. The guy thought she wants to have a small chat with no specific topic direction. Above all, he's glad that Myriad finally knew how to say other words than "no" and "stop". Austin felt as though this new Myriad is his new best friend. And so he never questioned her strangeness. Jana thought the one who made this new ranking system among students is plain stupid. Austin said the director was awarded with his ingenuity and tireless work to improve this. People who graduated from Augustus Middle High either becomes a philanthropist or a medical doctor. The school promotes that student should have morality engraved in their bones above wisdom. 'They can't even talk properly without looking from left to right.' Jana sighed. Students earned their ranks by merits. Merits are given once a student does something good. The staff can't be biased upon issuing points because every points listed are c
"The first class got canceled," a shrill voice echoed inside the restroom, "it's the first time that it happened. Maybe they're about to remove the ranking system?" An airy voice said with a serious note, "Remove the ranking system? Fat chance, Melody. More like, they're deciding whether to reduce the merit giving standards. I can only drop out of school if that happened. No need to torture myself with this." "As if!" This time, Jana pictured a chubby girl with an angry expression. "There's no way I'll quit just because of those petty reasons. So what? We can only strive harder! If you're planning to quit with this little pressure, then don't study at all! You're already lazy on studying. What more if we'll graduate and work somewhere?" "Ugh…" Melody groaned. "I hate that she's right, Tasha." "Sarah, I was just mouthing off, okay? I'm not planning to quit. It's the last year, I can handle carrying more loads of panic attacks and pretending to be good." "Nasty." Melody humped.
Ezekiel and Jana went shopping the whole morning. Because they were both college students both short in money, they opted to go visit thrift stores and dollar shops. They found a lot of useful things and a few miscellaneous items that Jana bought specifically for Vivien."I created Vivien for myself. I lost her halfway when my souls scattered. I'm glad that she went with you. She followed my memories and hold on to you, you're the most familiar thing to both of us inside the game." Ezekiel took a sip in his iced coffee while they walked in the park. His black jacket reeked of his head throb perfume. Every lungful of Jana makes her head full of his scent. "At first I thought she'd go for Jazz but then Jazz already had a system of her own so... it's kind of... complicated.""She never stopped looking for you, you know. She's a loyal older sister.""Yeah, I guess. We never really got to be closer before. After knowing about the things she did in order to find me... I feel happy. I was ne
It was a silent morning of February when our midterm exams began. I finished my paper and turned it in within 30 minutes of the test. My favorite part was the critical essay writing because the topic used was my report in the first month of the school-year, hence the subject is my forte. However, it was a minor subject. So passing it would mean I don't have to take it again. That's my main motivation the whole time I was taking it.I jogged to the cafeteria to get myself an early lunch. The crowded hall gets a bit humid and annoying during the break time, so I have to deal with my food at the earliest time to avoid unnecessary arguments with my schoolmates.Someone beat me on my favored seat when I got there.The spot with the nicest seat would be the window by the last corner of the room. It has a wide view of the cafeteria as well as the beautiful gardens outside the glass wall.It was a junior of mine who beat me to it. A fourth year highschool student with the dumbest polka dot ha
'Meow.' Vivien hates her current situation. She can't speak! And her owner has been grumpy for the last two days. What seems to be the problem of the great Ezekiel?Well, apparently, he can't find her former host. Miss Jana 'hoest' Tesoro. Vivien is naturally sad about this— not. 'Hmp!'Her last host was indeed a very good one at exaggerating her mistakes and berating her about her lack of support! But to be fair, Vivien does miss Jana.They've passed several worlds and lived several lifetimes together. It is impossible not to get attached."What do you think about it, Ezekiel?" Spencer paced the room two times. When the man he questioned did not answer, he turned his face to Ezekiel's side. "Kiel? Hello?""What do you exactly hate about her? The one who jailed you inside the game is her uncle. You should stop associating them together. You have to take into consideration the fact that the game consumed her when she forced her way into the simulation just to save you.""That's what ir
"What do you suggest, Roshan?" The emperor is old. He had an expression that shows how tired he is even if this is his first private meeting this very day. He's not that enthusiastic about Jana and Roshan's relationship. He sees colors for what they really are. Pixena is hailed the winner even when the match has not yet started. What's wrong with giving Jana the third rank? Roshan has defended her to this point. Their relationship is obvious. He would always favor Pixena over any other girl in the empire. Bias works this way. Still, he can't dictate Roshan's wishes. If he saw Ms. Jana as a worthy woman... then he could only give his blessings."This month." Ezekiel gave Jana a small smile. He wrapped his hands around her delicate fingers, massaging it lightly. "I want the wedding to be this month."Jana can't believe it!This man tricked her thoroughly!With warm tears in her eyes, she nudged him lightly by the shoulders. That's why he said Jana should enjoy this world— because it was
"Lady Pixena, do you have any words for the players of this cooking event?" The emcee was more than elated to finally interview the prime minister's daughter. The woman was even more gorgeous up close!"Well, I chose to be blunt. Haha! If Lady Jana wins in this event, I will willingly shave my eyebrows."It was the hardest blow. Even Jana who was seen to be smiling up until three seconds ago is now frowning hard with a hurt expression on her face. Pixena didn't even flinch. She laughed right at the audience's face.'I thought I had to sabotage her dish to make Roshan lose his interest for her but lo and behold! She did it herself!' Pixena inhaled and assumed her timid expression."Wo-Wow!" The man got more than he expected. He only wanted to throw shade at Lady Jana for entertainment purposes but now Lady Pixena pulled a wide blown start of a real cat fight!Jana's parents took offense at what Pixena said. Even if Jana's dish does look bad. It doesn't warrant her insult just like tha
Denise hasn't shown her presence. It was official, she finally got out of the game. Ezekiel told her that and it finally settled the little bit of conscience in her mind.Morning came and the cook-off session started. Pixena —unsurprisingly, joined the challenge and ordered tons of vegetables and spices for her own use. The emperor was too biased because she allowed Pixena to do this when in fact, he had strictly implied that no one should use resources aside from what the organizers had prepared."Ladies and gents, you will be given an hour each to complete your dishes!"'Might as well give me an eternity and it will still taste the same— morbid shit.' Jana stood above the platform readied for her. The audiences scattered around to look at the two meter distance. Every contestant have either a concerned or nervous expression. Only Pixena was confident, smiling brightly and scattering kisses everywhere.Ezekiel stood at the center of the stage. He is one of the panelist chosen to judg
On that morning, Jana tried to see if she can make use of her antagonistic halo and be good about something in just one night. She heard something about 'beginner's luck' and so she hopes to see if the same good fortune applies to her.Well, it was proven not.She started early in the morning, doing her job earnestly and receiving cuts from the knife and burns from the pan itself. Up until now she can't see herself improving. Ezekiel was hopefully supplying her with good words. Too good words but the man won't personally taste the dishes that she prepared. She can take the hint so his promising words became empty not long after she exposed his dual face and black heart.Jana doesn't know which one to make tomorrow. 'God! The event will start tomorrow and I'm still not prepared!' Which dish is she going to make?She need not ask to know that Pixena will be there too. The life of the villain wraps around the protagonist. So if her name is on the participating list, then it means Pixena
"Pixena!" The exquisite saloon had its windows widely opened. It's understandable why they only cater to beautiful women— it would be a shame lowering the curtains down when the most fantastic view is inside. "Oh, wow! Girl, you look splendid!""Do I?" Pixena wasn't pleased. She cut her hair shorter than she would have liked. That's all because Roshan said that girl... Well, 'Jana' needs to cut her hair short. Could there be any other meaning why Roshan wanted the woman to cut her hair that way? No! It must be because Roshan himself likes girls with shoulder-width hair and nothing else.It's bad for eavesdropping on other people's conversation but she can't help it! Pixena liked Roshan for so long and these past three months... Jana has been following him like a loyal dog. She had dug about the woman's background— nothing shady. In fact, Jana has quite the modest background and the skill to boost it up too.At the age of ten, she was able to refine materials for her dad to use in thei
… a month ago …The people of the Durham empire looked all wealthy and secure in life. She saw the rural parts of the empire— still, even the farmers themselves have gold pendants in their necklace to show some sophistication. A mark that they came from a prosperous country, and that their ruler is generous enough to let them grow.Jana's family this time is a wealthy craftsman. Her father makes watches, customized jewelry and even compasses. He was even once commissioned by the royals themselves to make a gold-rimmed eye-glasses.Needless to say, her family has a reputation to uphold. And yes, their family knows how to live well too.Jana wore her velvet green nightgown and jewelries on her head. From afar, she's a sculpture of perfect glam. Up close, her skin looks radiant— not even a scar anywhere.A result of a good upbringing from a wealthy family.Her kitten heels clacked on the tiles while she walked gracefully on the corridor, Jana's eyes like an eagle hunting her prey.Her ta