The Legendary Programming Mage

(A day ago)

Ding!

『 You have failed to change the fate of the Devil of the Arctic. The people of Apex now trust him. 』

『 Story Progression Rate: 6 — 14 』

Cough. Cough.

"Shit."

I had tried to hold it back, but it seems I couldn't.

After the entrance exam, I thought things would become sunshine and roses. I thought my love story would finally begin.

That I could finally put on headphones and daydream about a boy I really liked, but the world decided to spit in my face.

Life drain.

It was after Allen's speech that the system activated.

The system's orders were simple.

Change the fate of the world.

Not survive, not become the strongest.

But change Allen's fate.

Each time he strayed closer to the original plot, the more my body collapsed. Each time he diverted, the more rewards I earned.

But after he passed the test and won the favor of the first years, the system triggered again.

"That means at this rate, Allen will become evil again."

But it didn't make sense, did it?

I lay back on my bed. 'When everyone hated Allen, the system reacted. And when everyone loved him, it also did.'

I flung my leg in the air. "That bastard is driving me insane."

And I couldn't even run from him, like why?

I didn't force him to be a villain. I didn't…

I suddenly sat upright. "Wait, just a moment."

Allen Vanderbilt became evil not because of himself, but because of the one he loved.

"Bingo."

A grin crept across my face. "What if I become the one he loves the most?"

I hurled the pillow in my hand and squealed. "You're a genius, Sylvia!"

But the problem was Allen.

"That bastard isn't easy to crack."

How do I make a lunatic fall for me?

There was a lot of competition.

I pressed a finger to my lips. 'Would a kiss work?'

Perhaps it would, if we went smoochy smoochy.

I shook my head vigorously. "What are you even thinking about?!"

It wasn't like I loved him or anything, maybe just a little, but still.

"Should I stop liking the other Allen?"

I might look like a creep if I liked a dead man. Plus, if I became half-hearted about this, I would fail.

I pumped my fist. "I'll make him fall for me at all costs, then use him to protect me so I won't die."

Quickly grabbing my phone, I opened the Licklok app and searched:

"How to know if a boy has fallen for you."

I pulled out a pen and began jotting everything down.

[If a boy loves you, he will never follow you from behind.]

I nodded, scribbling it.

[A boy who loves you will always look away when you look at him.]

"Is that so? Allen definitely does that."

After finishing the long video, I even paid extra for more classes before dozing off.

The night passed in a blur, and the first thing I did in the morning was head for the academy library.

Not the modern, fancy ones, but where I could find traditional books.

I needed to read about ancient and medieval loves, the kind they used in edits.

As soon as I entered, I found a seat and started reading.

Next week, when I meet Allen, I will be different. A new and improved Sylvia.

However, the world was against me, because Allen opened the door and walked in.

'He cut his hair…' That was the first thought that hit me. 'Damn, he's hot. Shouldn't being him be a crime?'

And why did they give such a face to a villain?

I shook my head and tried to slip away, only for him to point straight at me.

The rest of the conversation blurred together as I tried different techniques I'd learned.

It seemed to work on him at one point, at least until he said that name.

My leg was propped on his knee while he slipped my boot on.

He seemed distracted, then muttered one name that made my fingers stiffen.

"Kim Jin-ah."

"What did you—?"

The words snagged in my throat.

How did he know my name?

That wasn't possible.

"What… did… you… just say?"

He glanced up at me, wearing his usual innocent, adorable expression.

"Oh, that," he said. "I just remembered a friend who wanted that tattoo."

Tattoo?

I swallowed hard. 'No way, right?'

Once, during a chase, I'd told Allen I wanted a tattoo like that, but…

Was it even possible?

What were the chances?

"Night…" My breath hitched as Allen's eyes lingered on me, waiting.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

『 User, please refrain from sharing unnecessary information that could hasten the world's end. 』

『 If you continue, we shall enforce a penalty. 』

Huh?

"Sylvia, are you alright?"

I quickly shook my head. "Sorry, something just startled me."

Allen nodded, though hesitantly.

He sensed something had shifted in me.

'Pull yourself together.'

It was strange that the system warned me now of all times.

Just how much effect did the word 'Night_Hawks' have on Allen?

I couldn't trust the system.

Never.

If I wanted to survive this world and save Allen, I had to rely only on myself.

"Hey, Allen."

The first thing I needed to do was monopolize most of Allen's time.

He needed all the girls in his life, but I had to be number one.

The first of the five devils of winter.

"Can you teach me a bit of magic?"

No more pretending not to like him, no more acting.

Time to be me.

I tapped my temple lightly. "I think I'm a bit of an airhead."

---

A/N:

Okay guys, first things first—my update schedule from today will be three chapters every day.

Now, do you want them released at once or at different intervals?

Onto the main topic.

So, how are the chapters so far?

Has the quality dropped, or is it still good?

Who are your favorite characters, and who do you think needs more fleshing out?

Drop your comments. And don't forget to send power stones, golden tickets, and gifts too.

Thank you once more.

Water7.