The Legendary Programming Mage

Allen Vanderbilt.

After I woke up in this body and finished the entrance exam, I had spent a lot of time contemplating who or what he was.

He was still the same as in the game, but at the same time, not.

"All I have to do is keep my eyes on him, or maybe not."

I was utterly confused right now.

Not only did he share the name of that person, but during that brief moment we were together, I actually thought it was him I was speaking to.

Wouldn't I be in serious trouble if I fell for him?

I tightened my fist. "No, I can never fall for that bastard."

Growl!

Clutching my rumbling stomach, I glanced at the dorm room door.

"Better get something to eat."

I honestly thought my eating habits would fade with a new body, but it seemed they were soulbound, how disturbing.

As soon as I stepped out, my gaze fell on the only man I could call both handsome and striking.

Allen.

He suddenly pointed at me and muttered:

"Oh, weirdo."

Before I knew it, I snapped back. "Don't call me a weirdo."

Allen then smirked as if preparing to tease me, so I tried to run.

If life with that person had taught me anything, it was to never let an Allen tease you.

But his eyes were already locked on me.

"Why are you trying to hide?"

I froze at his question.

'Of course I'm running because of you.'

'You're the final boss, and I need to clear my head before talking to you every time.'

I would've loved to say that, but it might make him angry, and he might kill me.

Snapping out of my thoughts and realizing his gaze was still fixed on me, I muttered, my voice unsteady:

"I—I never did that!"

He let out a smug chuckle. "Sure, sure. Just follow me; let's go to the lounge."

The lounge?

That place filled with people?

Is he insane?

I'm an introvert.

I looked into his eyes and shook my head, then gestured with my hand.

"Me."

I opened my palms. "People."

Then I shook my head again. "No, no."

The young man lingered for a moment. "So you're a coward?"

"No! I'm an introvert."

He sighed. "Suit yourself then."

Wait, was he upset?

If Allen starts hating me, how will I change the plot?

Not only will I die, but he will too.

I quickly tugged at his sleeve. "Okay, let's go."

Yes, I can gather my thoughts while staying close to him.

I'm going to be his first harem member after all.

'Got to stay near my hubby.'

I nodded to confirm my words.

I was still hungry, so it was best to make him pay.

"But…" I continued. "You pay for my food."

He didn't say a word, but I saw his lips curve slightly.

He was pleased.

Allen Vanderbilt and Allen Park.

Was their connection something the world was setting up as a plot twist?

It didn't make sense that the author of the game changed his story after Allen died.

I know that many others also died.

Still, Allen was important.

Seventy-forty—that was the chance this was Allen.

The reason it was so high wasn't just because they shared a name or character, but because, just like with Allen, I was having impure thoughts around this guy too.

It had nothing to do with his appearance.

I just wanted to hold hands, cuddle, keep him to myself, and maybe have...

Before I could finish my thoughts, the elevator door opened.

As soon as we stepped out, all eyes turned toward us.

'They sure like staring.'

I glanced up at Allen. 'Well, considering his face, it's no wonder.'

He was attractive enough to make his enemies hesitate.

That was precisely why no female demon could kill him at the early stage of the game.

"Seems like everyone is staring at us."

Tilting my head to meet his eyes, I was exasperated.

'Us?'

It was obvious they were staring at him.

'Was his narcissistic trait in the game a lie?'

To confirm my thoughts, I replied, "It's not us, just you."

He smirked knowingly. "I know."

I felt my jaw tighten, and I tried to whisper, but it came out louder:

"You annoying bastard."

He only smiled, but soon that smile faded as we walked a few extra steps.

In front of us stood Quincy Blake, one of the villainesses of this game who never once left Allen's side.

She was originally an innocent girl, and even when Allen turned evil, he made sure she remained that way.

However, unknown to Allen, she was a yandere, just the deceptively sweet kind.

Each time she heard someone pursued Allen, or if she traveled through a city and heard people defaming him, she snapped and murdered them all.

I trembled faintly at the thought of final-boss Quincy.

More than that, I was terrified to see Valentina Solrath, the one who became the demon god.

'What's this guy's deal with attracting overpowered female leads? How am I supposed to compete with that?'

Allen's expression soon shifted into a cold, blank look.

I shifted my gaze back to Quincy only to see two boys clearly trying to flirt with her.

'Shit.'

Allen took a step forward, and I extended my hand to grab him.

"Relax," I said softly. "Please don't kill anyone."

He smiled back at me. "Don't worry, I am."

He didn't look back again and simply moved toward the boys.

Without sparing them a glance, he gently grabbed Quincy's hand, and I saw her face brighten for a second.

While mine?

Changed ever so slightly.

My heartbeat slowed.

I had enjoyed our small talk just now...

But why did he leave for another girl?

I quickly shut my mouth. 'What are you thinking, Sylvia?'

I was getting... No, I was jealous.

'Have I already become absorbed in the game?'

No, it was because of how much he resembled that person.

The way he walked, the way he carried himself—even the way he smiled.

Hahahaha...

I couldn't help but chuckle internally.

Yes, I was jealous.

I need to protect Allen, yes.

But I feel like I want him too.

In my past life, another woman, Allen's boss, had stolen him from me.

This time, I won't let that happen.

My thoughts were soon broken by the sound of a jaw breaking.

Allen had just attacked someone.

-----

Step. Step.

The moment Sylvia let go of my hand, I continued walking toward Quincy.

Once I got closer, she immediately noticed, and her face lit up.

One thing I hate is bastards.

And worse than that, thieves.

I was a petty man, because whatever is mine is mine, and whatever is yours is mine too.

And if you dare covet what's mine, then I will cook you in a pot of oily pasta.

As I reached Quincy, she didn't even wait for me to stretch my hand before she offered hers.

"Hey Quincy, let's go."

She nodded, stepping over one of the boys' legs and moving closer to me.

The two boys' bodies twisted so unnaturally it was revolting.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?"

I turned my head to meet them.

The other boy, a bulky, blonde brute, asked again. "I asked, what do you think you're doing?"

Dominance.

That was what it meant to be the Apex.

Even though it hadn't been officially declared, I was the Apex.

If this was how they were going to treat me, then it was best to show a bit of strength.

I wasn't the strongest, but I had enough hacks to make up for it.

The two boys in front of me were undeniably knights.

They were chest monsters, with torsos larger than some girls.

And they stood as if about to take a dump.

Their backs were hunched, and their hands buried in their pockets.

I smiled warmly.

It was best to do this without spells.

I channeled mana through my body, using the mana coating technique Beatrice had taught me.

I had never learned any sword-swinging techniques, but I did know my fair share of martial arts.

Especially since I had to deal with one particularly troublesome cop in my past life.

It wasn't that she was exactly irritating, I actually enjoyed our chase, but still, she put me through things no hacker should endure.

Thinking of her made me want to hit something and run at the same time.

But since she must be in a bad state now that I'd left, I was satisfied.

I shifted my legs slightly.

This was the move I always used to gain the upper hand on her.

Taekwondo.

With my body now, I could do even more.

I raised my leg so swiftly my eyes barely followed it.

The edge of my foot connected with the jaw of the slimmer man.

Crack!

The loud sound of bone breaking echoed through the lounge as the young man flew across the room like a football.

The moment he crashed into the floor bleeding, his friend's eyes widened.

"You bastard!"

Such a fool he was.

At the very least, he should know the difference between us before fighting.

I lifted my leg again and kicked him right in his balls.

Bam!

Crack!

Tzzzz!

I didn't hold back, I kicked so hard his eggs shattered.

Each time he remembered he couldn't have children, he would remember never to look at what belonged to Allen Vanderbilt.

The young man clutched his groin and collapsed, completely unconscious.

"Pathetic."

I muttered those words, not because I intended to, but because it just felt right.

The entire lounge went silent, and everyone turned to me.

Most of their gazes had changed.

It wasn't kindness or friendliness anymore.

Competitiveness.

I couldn't help but smile.

I tilted my head toward the area where many students were gathered and narrowed my eyes.

The message was clear.

'If you want to fight so badly, bring it on.'

Quincy's grip on my hand tightened, and I could see her grow uneasy.

I gave a single nod at her and walked out of the lounge.

I glanced at Sylvia, who just stared at me in a daze.

After a moment, she snapped out of it and walked at my other side.

She didn't say anything at first, then parted her lips and muttered softly:

"The Legendary Pro…"