The Legendary Programming Mage

For a moment, I caught a flicker of emotion in Beatrice's eyes, while everyone around her widened theirs in shock and astonishment.

It was unheard of, and I knew it.

A newly awakened breaking an examination orb?

If word of that spread, the world would descend into chaos.

However, contrary to my expectations, the numbers that appeared weren't what I had anticipated.

It was the vice chairman who stepped forward and announced it.

After that, I couldn't recall much of what happened until I returned home.

I could only stare blankly, though the chairman still wanted to meet me the next day, and the hunter association had given me a name.

The Unknown.

The reason was simple...

I was the only human born with an unknown rank.

Not immeasurable like most protagonists, nor even SSS+.

Just unknown.

According to the vice chairman, it was because I hadn't entered a rift, but I knew otherwise.

A firewall and antivirus system that prevents corruption.

A transmigrator.

Someone carrying a grotesque thing inside his core.

And a being born with a special affinity.

I was anything but normal.

And after they confirmed my affinity, it cemented their suspicions, and I was placed under their watch.

Truthfully, I didn't dislike the turn of events.

No one would overestimate me, and everyone would underestimate me.

Besides, I had no idea what the demons would do if they discovered someone beyond SSS-rank existed.

...

A deep breath slipped from my lips as I stared at my reflection.

It had been two days since my registration, and since then, I hadn't been able to move freely.

Quincy had left for the academy with Naomi, while I remained constantly monitored by the association.

Who could blame them?

I might have the greatest talent in the world or the worst.

No one knew my ceiling, so in the grand scheme of things, I was their biggest variable, but I could also be their greatest trump card.

But the association's eyes were the least of my concerns—at least they made their surveillance subtle.

Opening the door of my apartment, I was greeted by a familiar face.

"Good—"

Before I could finish speaking, the beautiful blonde-haired woman cut me off.

"Let's spar... No, be my disciple."

I shut the door behind me and bolted down the stairs.

Ever since my registration and my rank was revealed as unknown—alongside my strange element—Beatrice had refused to let me go.

Naomi had only given me one piece of advice:

"Beatrice hardly shows emotions, but once she's intrigued or wants something, she never stops chasing it and keeps biting."

By the time I reached the ground floor, Beatrice leapt from the railing outside my apartment down to the ground.

'Can I do that too?'

I shook my head and kept running.

Beatrice brushed the dirt off her jeans and dashed after me.

Stalking. Following. Pursuing.

Beatrice had done them all.

And each time...

Something yanked on my collar, bringing me to a sudden halt.

"Allen Vanderbilt, why are you running from me?"

Because it's fun to toy with you?

Because I like pretty women?

Hell no, it's because you're terrifying.

Who the hell stalks a kid just because they feel like it, acting as though they want to dissect them?

"Can you let me go?"

Beatrice studied me for a moment, then shook her head. "No. I want to know more about you."

"Are you trying to rizz me now?"

Her gaze lingered before she nodded. "Do you want mommy to take care of you?"

She raised her other hand and stroked my head.

"There, there, mommy will buy you anything."

I sighed. "Why exactly are you so fascinated by me?"

Beatrice's hand froze mid-stroke. "Because it's strange."

I stayed silent and let her gather her thoughts.

"Everything is meant to follow rules, isn't it? So how are you able to break them?"

Suddenly, my body stiffened.

'So she's that type.'

It seemed the Olthia Empire had ingrained in her the idea of rules and how they should never be broken.

And for someone like me to exist...

Something beyond those rules—it must have shattered her perception of reality.

"Let me go for a moment."

"You won't run?"

"Yeah, I won't."

Beatrice hesitantly released my collar, and I straightened.

"I don't like how I'm forced to stare at your collarbone now."

I couldn't help but smile at her comment.

Smoothing back the side of my hair, I made a simple suggestion.

A proposal that works for both of us.

"Princess Beatrice, I can't accept being your disciple just yet, but the least I can do is let you watch me train."

"Watch you train?"

I nodded. "Why don't we go to a rift together?"

Beatrice placed a hand under her chin, and the faintest smile crossed her lips.

"Today?"

I looked at the beautiful young woman.

The same cold figure who nearly crushed me with her aura a few days ago.

Now, she looked... human. Almost adorable.

Finally, I answered.

"Today."

...

COUNTDOWN TO ENTRANCE EXAM: 3 DAYS

...