The Benefactor

Jana Tesoro hates Mathematics and everyone knows it. They have no qualms about it, because they feel the same way too about the subject. It could be an extra trouble for Jana herself though. Her strict aunty, Sera Tesoro-Andelev, is a woman who practiced Algebra like it will be the solution to the ever-growing population rate in the St. Clemente. The way her aunt clasp a Math book is similar to the Nuns when praying with the Rosary in hand. Devout, and even solemn. The students couldn't help but cringe everytime the teacher was near. Jana herself would hide anywhere.

"...I hate it, though. Just look at my hair! Does it still look proper to you?" Ginnie whined. "How could she be so mean to me?"

'Well, the witch wanted you to look horrible in front of your dad!' Jana squinted, eyeing the empty classroom before tugging her best friend inside. The whole class is now in the auditorium, having a group activity about 'how to master Math easily'. Jana is over her gullible days. 'Math can never be easy!'

"Maybe she wanted to shun you out, girl," Jana pointed out, "The witch said she want you and her to be close but the truth is-she's trying to sabotage you."

Ginnie had a horrified look in her face. Jana nodded knowingly, folding her hands behind her waist and grinned. "I've seen this in the movies. Step mothers wanting to trash the original daughter so that they could be the first lady of the house! I just knew it!"

Ginnie lowered her head. Satisfied, Jana turn to look at the window. Their school has become so old. Rust settled at the railings, and the color that once had been bright now faded into gray. Jana remembered the excitement she felt when she stepped inside the school premises before. She's quite nervous, worrying not about subjects and lessons but the people whom she'd be with for the rest of her middle high schooling.

That feeling was novel-for a while. And then the excitement turn into worrying. There was fatigue, then came disappointment. Now coming to school felt nothing but a chore. A routine that is very bland.

'It's okay. It's the last year anyway. College will say hello, then I won't have time even just for breathing.'

She would have preferred watching television all-day. Where she can know about how Didi from Taking Back What's Mine is now doing. 'Did she manage to steal that evidence that will prove her innocence? Daniel should not be so cruel!' Or Sasha from 'The Mistresses'. 'That woman is the most suitable for Don Martin!'

When watching soap operas and telenovelas, one could not feel the boring day. Specially when the actors look so good.

"I won't let that happen," Ginnie said with a resolve, "next time she asks me for a girl's night out where we can go 'bond', I'll tell her to iron her own conscience straight."

Jana snickered. "You look hurt."

Ginnie averted her eyes fast. "My teeth aches from all that grinning of yours!" Jana walked behind Ginnie. She tried to get her bag from resting on the chair but one of the strap is stuck. Jana tugged harder, and a ripping sound was issued. In the end, Ginnie rolled her eyes. "You're definitely thinking about Lucas. You, getting all absent-minded!"

"I wasn't thinking about him. Do I look like thirteen to you? I'm eighteen. Pay some respect." Jana lifted her chin, asking for an argument. "And how can you say that casually in front of me? I've told you before-"

"Lucas is a perfect male lead material." Ginnie asked, "Wasn't that the same as saying, 'Girl, I like him'? You just made it sound fancier."

Jana gasped. She had a look that says 'I am immensely offended'. "Lucas is definitely the male protagonist type, but I'm not his leading lady." She stated, "Lucas needs a partner like...Synthell Evanghelista."

This time, Ginnie voiced her horror. "What? That woman is clearly a bitchy antagonist!"

Jana blinked. "Yeah, I know. Well, their physical aspects were aligned with each other. They're a perfect match."

"Enough of all this matchmaking of yours. Lucas is absolutely a great guy and you're pairing him with an empty vase! Sure, she's beautiful, but her heart is made of stone."

'You said enough with the matchmaking.' Jana clicked her tongue, silently agreeing with the fact that Synthell could be the meanest girl in the school when she feels like it.

Synthell, Ginnie and Jana has been classmates since prep school. The way that girl stare could make staying in hell a lot better than being with her for two hours. One second, she's friendly with you and the next second you'll be St. Clemente High's punching bag of rumors.

There was a time when she spread the news of Ginnie's parents divorce with the reason that Ginnie's mom is a drug addict. Jana had tried everything just to reign her best friend in. When Ginnie called asking 'where does that bitch live, Jana?' with a monotone voice she had thought her friend was possessed.

But then, if it was her, she'd be knocking that girl down with her Aunt Sera's encyclopedias.

Synthell haven't made a move towards Jana though. Carefully not trying to offend her aunt. Jana had been filling her Aunt Sera about how vicious that girl can go. And although Aunt Sera is protective of her, she can't scold a top student, Synthell, because of no apparent reason. It doesn't help too that Synthell's family is loaded.

"That's the main conflict of their love story. Lucas will be the one who will change Synthell's attitude forever!" Jana is excited just by thinking about it.

However, Ginnie doesn't feel the same. "Oh! You're hopeless. Shouldn't you just go and write a novel about it instead of waiting? 'Cause that will never happen."

"I've been thinking about it for a while now." The corner of Jana's lips rose. "You'll be the third party."

"Oh, knock that idea off your head."

St. Clemente had never been a peaceful town. There is no violence and fight to speak of but Jana can't help but feel as though the place is too narrow. The houses are far with each other but people will still cross over the fence, intent on knowing what stuff has been going on inside your family. It feels as though every person's faces are always the same. Nothing new to marvel about.

When Jana walks down the riverbank and see the usual scenery of grass, waters and sundown, she feel almost sorrowful.

Nothing is new in this place. It has always been a tiring, uninspiring walk. 'I wonder how people keep up with the boring life inside.'

"Jana!" a voice called, "Jana, have you seen this game? I think you'll definitely like it."

Jana snapped out of her musing. Some of her classmates are back from the auditorium. She can't help but smile at their expressions. 'Despair lay within Math!' She took Kristof's phone and navigated the app. "A...love story game?"

"Yes, solo leveling too." Kristof shrugged. "Lucas shared this app with me. You want to play that?"

Jana's eyes couldn't help but twinkle. "Lucas played that?"

Kristof is her neighbor. Everytime the school is over and his boyfriend is not around, he'd often walk with her. "Yeah, well, I guess not? Tina was the one who's playing it in his phone. I just happen to take a glance on his screen and thought of you. I'm not really interested with it. Open your phone. I'll send it. Gonna delete it afterwards."

Kristof leaned closer to Jana. His eyes intent on sending the app. Jana couldn't help but notice how big does a few years can change off him. The guy was four inch above her height of 5'6. When they were kids, Kristof had been on the tiny side. Jana was accustomed in protecting him. Now in middle school, Kristof is even top second in the 'tallest men' in class. Lucas was the first one. Synthell made the list. Ginnie is suspicious about it but Jana can tell that there is no bias with it. Especially when the height were measured. Ginnie won't believe it still. Jana knew its her prejudice with Synthell that is tough.

'Pathfinder's Transmigration of Love'

"Hey, the game has a weird name," Jana commented, "too long for my liking."

Ginnie scoffed, combing her platinum blond hair with a brush. It was still frizzy. "Remember 'Catching Zombies making Dinner with Family'? Yeah, you played that game once."

Jana didn't mind her scorn and waited the game to load. The pink font gently swaying and the purple background is absolutely eye-catching. 'Welcome! Please enter the player's name.'

"Kristof, thanks for this."

The guy nodded before mumbling, "Welcome." Eyes firmly glued to the phone, Kristof went back to his seat. Kristof's boyfriend, Zander, must be texting him.

'Jana.'

"I bet they're getting along now..."

"...which is bad considering his parents..."

Jana caught a sight of Ginnie listening intently on the two students mocking another classmate. She sighed then reach her bag. Her aunt will make her read two books in a row and grounded for a week because of the large tear she made.

'Please select the player's gender.'

'Female.'

'Note, the player accepts the terms and conditions...'

Jana inserted a check. Maybe she'll just play for a while in her own, since everyone inside this small classroom has their own business. Jana should feel like an outcast but instead she didn't. 'I'm the school's walking trash can. Unwanted, but necessary.' Sometimes she felt more like a design-a prop in school more than a student. 'Unfortunately.'

'Play now.'

Jana tapped the button twice. A welcoming sound beckoned her to look closer in her phone. 'Time to play.'

"Host, welcome!" A tiny, squeaking voice hailed Jana closer. Her eyebrows knitted yet still she could not guess the gender of the one who's speaking. It's still pitch black. "Host, saving yourself in the mission may be the top priority but please be reminded that the cool V+ points are the ones needed to buy items and pills that will help you advance!"

Jana felt a giant headache looming over. Rubbing her forehead, she tried to ask, "Where am I?"

"Host?" The voice chuckled before whining. "Host was not listening to me awhile ago, did you? This trusted Ai is getting tired of explaining it!"

'Trusted Ai?' Jana shook her head. She might have fallen asleep in the middle of class. When Aunt Sera got a sniff about this, she's a dead meat! 'Nope, I don't trust you!'

"Host, welcome to Pathfinder's Transmigration Routine of Falling in Love! This game will be the most fantastic one you'd ever played."

A booming sound coming from Jana's back came. It was like the circus has come to visit.

"I am Vivien, your Ai. I will assist you in every mission. The instances ranges from Easy, Hard, Hell Mode and Devastation. Points are rewarded according to the criterion you'll be given five minutes from now. Bear in mind that saving yourself is a must but if you can stop the protagonist from falling in love with their leading partners-you will receive the bonus V+ points."

Jana blinked hard. "What are you talking about? Let me see!" Pinching herself, she grunted when pain seared in her arms. "W-What?"

"Host, you installed the game which means you intended to play it. The center will open as soon as you passed the instance number three. Pathfinders offers the players comfortable housing and affordable prices for the items to pass each levels. Side missions can also earn you extra points when successfully done."

Numbers fly inside Jana's head. Gently sniffing, wishing to wake herself up, she nodded. "Game! Game!"

"Player Jana, please press the okay button."

'Okay! Okay!' Jana shrieked inside, 'Just let me wake up.'

"Player Jana, welcome to the Pathfinder's Transmigration Routine of Falling in Love. Your status is currently the villain. Save yourself-reality is just within your grasp." Vivien, the Ai, greeted, "May the moon spare you of his wrath and deliver you to the warmth!"

Jana screamed when the floor collapsed. 'That was not a good attempt on being poetic!' Her skirt flew upwards, and the chilling wind crawled on her legs. Goosebumps ran over her skin. Nausea cramped her stomach. After seeing a hologram pop up in front her with words she could not fully comprehend, she passed out.

Player: Jana Tesoro

Game ID: 3033689

Status: D -

Role: Villain

V+ Accumulated: 0/20000

Skill: None

"Pathfinder's Transmigration Routine of Falling in Love"

The game has a funny text welcoming people in great optimism. Many will disdain the glaring colors and blinding designs but for the creators of this game, nothing is more beautiful as the one they have painstakingly created.

At first, they had decided to lure people in by giving them the false idea of virtual relationship with a cartoon character dressed in hipster jeans and loose white shirt. The survey they had done granted them a confusing conclusion: teenage girls tend to like men who were in slovenly clothing. Holes in jeans, crumpled shirt type. The developers were aghast, but if the consumers like it best then they paid it no judgement three days after knowing. They thought that the idea was best; a jackpot.

They had been very wrong.

After researching and testing, they had stopped and discovered a creative idea.

People are more realistic these days. They don't want to end up happily knotted-they want mistresses, complicated threesomes and cheating instead. If not, then maybe the paper containing the percentages of married people applying for divorce they had accumulated throughout the years is wrong.

They want the thrill and angst before settling down! The person behind the game sighed in relief at last then called in several hundreds of his paid confidante.

Now that the new designers have been hired, there shouldn't be a problem anymore.

Another mistake on their side.

In my opinion as a former player, the game should've just be deleted at once.

FIRST INSTANCE:

LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS (1)

It was midnight when Jana woke up in an unfamiliar room. She was dressed in a white nightgown, her hair running loose with eyes blurry as hell. She tried to pull herself out of bed when she noticed the most horrible thing that could happen to her.

She can't feel her legs.

Nerves racked her brain. The moment she was about to open her mouth and shout for help, Vivien, the 'trusted' Ai's voice rang.

"Great host, how are you feeling?"

"Where am I?" Jana gasped. Her voice doesn't sound the same. "Where am I? My voice isn't like this! My-My face too..."

"Great host, I know. Have you forgotten? You accepted the game. Would you like to open the plot summary now?"

"What?" Jana demanded, "I'd like to go back-now! Let me out of this!"

"I'm sorry, host. That's not a part of my job as a trusted Ai. If the host wishes to leave, then she must earn the 20000 V+ points."

"I-I don't know how." Jana hugged herself. Lost and full of anxiety. "I...can't feel my legs."

"The protagonist in this instance is Hailey Greystone. She is a businesswoman, running five stores including the bakery right in front of the condo building the host is currently in. Hailey had experience scarcity in every way when she was young. Now that she is old enough, she ventured to make a name of her own. That's when the male lead, Giovanni Qiamco came to the part. She is Queenie Servantes' secretary. Queenie is the owner of the host's current body..."

Vivien continued with ease. "...Queenie had an accident which changes not just her life but her personality as well. A car accident ruined both of her legs. Before, the woman is outgoing and loves to travel the world. Because of being disabled, she needed to hire a secretary just for signing papers and pushing her wheelchair. Queenie does not treat Giovanni well. Often calling him names. Giovanni is not from a well-off family. That's why when the protagonist and male lead met, they felt an instant attraction."

Jana closed her eyes. That's just like those TV shows she had seen in the past! Mumbling to herself, she rolled closer to the nightstand. Feeling up the glossy wood, her hand caught a grip of something hard. It was box. After pinching it open, a glasses presented itself. Jana tried to put it on and instantly, the blurry images became clear.

Yet no Vivien was in sight. She could still hear the Ai speaking but nothing suspicious can be seen infront of her. Jana nodded her head, understanding that the Ai is inside her consciousness.

The story follows when Queenie continued to bully Giovanni. Hailey will comfort the aching Giovanni and the feelings of the two will continue to expand. The male lead fell for the protagonist's great skill in cooking. Later on, Queenie will realize how important was Giovanni to her. The protagonist and the male lead is now exclusively dating when Queenie decided to get the man back.

Giovanni quits as Queenie's secretary. Leaving the woman with no one beside her. No one can stand Queenie like Gio does. Queenie tried to apologize but then Hailey held Gio tight, promising to make their future together. Gio only bid Queenie his last goodbye.

Disappointed and forlorn, Queenie decided to throw everybody out. With her frustration, she decided to stop breathing for life. Queenie ended her pain.

Giovanni heard the news about Queenie's suicide and blamed himself for it. He then became absent-minded. Extremely guilty that he did not talk with Queenie properly. The protagonist fought with the male lead and reasoned for all that she could. It's not his fault, that Gio is a human too. He needed love, and love is where Hailey is. Queenie should have just accepted it. In the end, Hailey hugged Giovanni. After resolving their conflict, the male lead proposed, and the story ended on their wedding.

It was a good story. She heard something like this before. Not the same title, but the struggles were equal. Jana inquired, "The story is perfect. What needs to be done?"

"Tsk! The great host is not paying attention. Attentiveness can save lives, host." After the gentle laugh, the Ai said with a cold voice, "The host must prevent the happy ending."

Jana was quiet for a second before she blinked furiously. "What?"

'No! I'm a fan of happy endings!'

"Change Queenie Servantes' ending and prevent the protagonist's from falling in love." Vivien sighed. "Host, I wish you luck-enjoy the instances!"

Jana busied herself when the system went silent. She ran a critical eye to every clause and notice written on the faint hologram in front of her.

Dying inside the instances had no damage on her body once she went back to reality. She's basically immortal inside the game. Yet, that doesn't mean that every injury won't hurt her.

Once her character died, she can have rebirth just by spending some points. Eventhough this condition looks good, she can still feel the pain of being murdered or anything related to sickness. This might be all virtual but the feelings here are real-life. That's what scares her the most.

The fast time spent inside the game is ten times slower in the reality. Once she passes all these then she'd be able to eat dinner at home. Aunt Sera won't be full of litany again.

Jana told herself to be optimistic. However, settling low in her gut is a feeling where as though everything right now sounds ominous.

Like a great doom is just ahead.