The hospital was strangely familiar to Jana. The cold air was bitting incessantly on her skin. It was the least of her favorite sensations in the world. The roles she's offered to play were all either canon fodders with tragic ending, or villains with the same tragic ending. At first, she was vexed and angry about the OOC feature. It was hard trying to save yourself but you're not allowed to move outside the comfort zone of the character that you're acting as. Now with the crisp promise of being free after completing ten mission consecutively and the damned OOC feature finally turned off, Jana couldn't be happy enough. This is practically a golden leaf bestowed to her. There's no way she's going to let the chance pass by. "Hello, miss. I'd like to know Lizette Drake's room number." The nurse behind the desk was incredibly young and friendly. She even smiled a little with Jana. "May I know your relationship with the patient, ma'am?" "I'm… her classmate. Myriad White." Jana fidge
Lizzy struggled to wake up when she heard familiar voices. It was the school's director talking with her parents. They were discussing what to do with Myriad. They believed that Myriad pushed her. "No!" Lizzy strained her back trying to push herself up. "No! Myriad didn't push me!" The director was surprised with her conviction. Lizzy forgot about her manners and conduct at the moment. She needed to stop them from ruining Myriad. She won't give that girl the satisfaction of getting what she want! "Someone pushed me... but it's not Myriad. Please." Her mom quavered instantly. While her dad needs to be convinced. It was hard for him to take her accident lightly. If the situation was different, Lizzy would have ended with more serious injury. "Ms. Lizzy, you need to rest. You might be distraught and that you remembered the events differently." The director sat with his eyes sunken without sleep. It was clear that he had not rested well since her accident. "But if you insist, can y
Jana redeemed her determined state of mind when she get out of Lizzy's room. She fished her phone out of her pocket and dialed Denise' number. As she paced slowly in the hallway. The woman answered the call within three rings. Jana hurriedly relied the information she learned when she noticed a middle-aged man walking slowly in her direction. "It was not the director but Mr. Brooks! That's why it was easy for him to cut off the power sources in school without getting caught. He knows about the CCTV footages in every part of the school and he can give permission for Hyacinth to roam the school even if it's supposedly prohibited." Denise gasped. "Fudge, Jana. What should we do now?" "Proceed to the plan. We will only change our target. We need to get Mr. Brooks send to jail so that Lizzy won't be scared anymore." Jana ruffled her hair with shaking hands. "He threatened to kill Lizzy's parents that's why she resulted to acting strange. We should help her." "Ms. White." The man i
Spencer helped Jana prepare for the ceremony in Wednesday. For the rest of their free time, they devoted it into studying. Austin particularly liked helping Jana in her math lessons. Although in his mind, he thought Myriad was just acting cute. There would be no way that Myriad would forget about Math. It was her favorite subject. But when the night came and Myriad still hasn't folded her dumb act, Austin became apprehensive and confused. Myriad had her head deep in thought as she punch unnecessary numbers in her calculator. Her face doesn't have the usual expression of someone who's full intent is to understand math. Her face screamed her opinion about the subject. Austin wanted to comfort her with words like, 'Chill, Myr, it's math and not a war.' Myriads behavior makes him think as if they're not facing a exam but a strategic war against the gods. Spencer was tired for the day and bid them his goodnight. Austin would like to follow as well so that Myriad can finally take
The lights flickered. Jana thought she should stop staring at it and actually continue answering her paper. How come she didn't imagine school to be this hard? She remembered using this formula last night... but she actually forgot everything. Maybe she's suffering from short term memory loss. She hates to disappoint her boyfriend. Austin's expectant eyes this morning work its way straight to Jana's heart. She can't have those eyes look down on her. Myriad has no one but she can still make Austin proud, right? 'Why am I even imagining it right now when I couldn't even answer one problem?' Jana bit the tip of her pen, asking why does the lord god keep on testing her everyday. When the first part of their whole day exam finished, Jana was nauseated to the point of oblivion. The only thing that kept her from falling to the ground is the appointment she had made with Hyacinth. "She wants to meet you today." Jana dusted the imaginary dirt on her shoulder. She felt as though the te
"Can I get some of that, Austin?" Hyacinth pawed Austin's meal with her fork. She didn't move her plate even an inch. It was evident that she didn't like what Austin got for her. Yet, that's not enough for her to stop showing him the bruise on her wrist. It was small but very blue. It was impossible to miss it at a glance. "Thank you." Austin saw it. But he didn't comment. Neither did Myriad and nor did Spencer. It was as though they couldn't see her injury. It threw Hyacinth off balance. She can't use the excuse of tasting the dish repeatedly to show off her bruises. Hyacinth had a feeling that the guy won't like it if she use the same fork that she placed in her mouth to pinch his food again. That would offend him. 'Why?' She tug at the cuff of her blazer. Tossing them an accusing glance. 'They couldn't be that unfeeling, right?' They should care for her, somehow. She didn't expect fighting with Felicity last night but she welcomed the bruise, intent to use it on Austin in
Hyacinth forced herself to chuckle warmly. She felt something was not right, but that doesn't mean that she will take Myriad's implications lightly. "What are you trying to say?" She looked at the stage and grinned as the projectors lighted. "Pampered students doesn't have the right to be pardoned of their crimes. Don't you hate people like that, Austin?" Austin opened his mouth to respond, but he stopped when a sharp sound from the sound system broke out. Hyacinth lowered her eyes and her mouth curve up to a smirk. Melody's magnified voice echoed inside the hall. Vicious and humiliating. "Sarah is a stupid fat girl. Why do you think she's befriending us? Because majority of the students doesn't like her! Tasha and I can tolerate her smelly attitude but that bitch fails to show gratitude every time. Who does she think she is?" They were all stupid. All stupid to think that Hyacinth will be tolerant of them. She won't spare anyone who thinks she's below average. Sarah, Tasha
"You took matters into your hands. Do you think you will be rewarded after this scandal?" A middle-aged teacher didn't flinch when she noticed the three pair of eyes staring at her with undivided attention. She knew, in her mind, that these students didn't do anything wrong. They were pushed by the circumstances to fight back and give as much as the trouble they had taken. Still, the director is sitting right across the room and she can't show impartial judgements. "You're lucky that there were not a lot of outsiders when this happened, lest we won't be able to face the society with pride!" 'But what can they possibly do against Mr. Brooks and Hyacinth? They can't just tell the director about them. Not without evidence. And even if they had waited, that bad egg Hyacinth will still find a way to make problems for them. It's simply atrocious!' She gave the director a discreet signal. 'You must see that these kids were just left with no choice. You don't have to punish them as well! The
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