But life doesn't always go as you expect.

Into the middle of my first year, like many other girls, I fell in love. But my love didn't bloom, because he already had his sights on another.

And that girl was called Yuri Mizuki, the most popular girl in school. Her looks could charm anyone, and her athletic abilities and intellect were overpowering.

I hated her. From the bottom of my heart, I hated her existence, I wanted to do nothing but wipe that self-satisfied smirk off her face. I wanted revenge for stealing my love, for taking what should have been mine.

And the opportunity came to me. It was karma, I was finally bestowed a chance to give her a taste of what it feels like to be betrayed and have your heart broken!

That summer, I spread the news around to every person I had contacts with. I would make her suffer. And in the end, it worked better than I could have expected.

Not only did she fall from the stage, but she also went even lower and was constantly bullied by the people that used to envy her in the shadows.

I was satisfied with the result, and she would never find out that I had done it! Watching her pain every day was enjoyable, but for some reason, after a few months, I soon forgot about her.

Until I saw her once again walking towards me in Sapphire.

Why did she show up in another world to torment me as well!? I had finally got Asterios to bend to my will, and I had information on the other party members as well. My success in the game was practically sealed!

Maybe it was a pure stroke of luck, but she didn't seem to recognize me at all. I quickly came up with a plan that would force her to restart the game, using my connections I hired a few thugs that could do my dirty work. My plan was practically flawless.

Yet, how did it come to this…

Her dark eyes were as deep as the void, the merciless sneer that filled my vision was carved into my eyelids. I desperately wanted to stop looking into the mysterious depth, but I couldn't tear my eyes away.

That was the first time that I truly felt deep terror.

When I heard my name come out of her mouth I thought my heart would stop.

Fear.

I was afraid of this monster.

While pressed against the wall, the only thing my mind could comprehend was the overwhelming power and the sense of regret.

Why did I even provoke such a monster?

Hearing the whisper next to my ear, my brain could not logically make choices anymore.

"Heaven, or h.e.l.l?"

The whisper of the monster.

The devil of the abyss.

That was when I decided in my heart.

I would never go against this demon again.

______

"H-heaven, "Lyssia whispered in a hoa.r.s.e voice, her entire body trembling.

"Hehe, wise choice Lyssia, very, very smart indeed."

I took a couple of steps back and scrolled through my inventory for another object that I had bought at the auction house.

[Oath Contract

Players that sign this are forbidden to go against their word

Breaking the contract will result in being exiled from the game

Impossible to reverse

Up to twenty people can sign the same contract

Current Owner: Lynx]

Taking out the parchment, I indifferently waved it in front of her face while prompting her to sign it.

"Here is your ticket to heaven, I will hold you to your word~"

Watching her nervously read the contents of the contract, her face paled even more.

I didn't know that a human could pale so much…

With a bit of hesitation, she signed it with shaking hands and handed it back.

"Well then, your fate is sealed." I chuckled while grinning from ear to ear. "Let's cover up the facade yes?"

Putting the contract away, I took off my gloves and put down my hood. Turning towards Lyssia, I put on an innocent and cheerful smile.

"I look forward to working with you, Miss Lyssia! I will message you if anything is needed, for now, just send me a detailed paper on your connections, friends, contacts, and shady facts you have."

"O-oh."

"Oh yeah, here's all the loot. Make sure no one finds out so just follow the plan as if I was beaten up yes? This way Tania should be fooled and Asterios won't be suspicious. Alright, I think that's all then. So long!"

Having my say of words, I promptly used a return scroll and teleported back home, giving her one last happy smile before disappearing into white.

Finally getting back home, my shoulders relaxed and I slumped onto my fluffy couch.

"Ahhhhhh….that was more tiring than I expected. I was so absorbed in the flashy exit that I forgot about my mission. Well what can you do about it, I'll simply go back to town tomorrow." I complained to myself while stretching lazily.

Suddenly I remember the rewards I had been given from Master Abest, I giddily opened up my status board and check the t.i.tle.

[Aid

Increases stats of party members by 5%]

Ohhhh, not bad at all. There's also this new level seven dagger that he handed me.

[Mentor's Trust - Special

- An important dagger given to a trusted disciple from their mentor

- Increase strength by 3

- Increase agility by 4

- Increase dexterity by 2

- +50 Attack

- Only Abest's disciple can use this]

Ack. It's the worst when there is something overpowered and I can't use it! But this is my first even special item, this is a pretty nice occasion!

Hmmm, it's almost time that Kai and dad get home from work, I guess I'll log off and welcome them home.

After logging off, I headed straight for my room and took a quick shower. Looking at all the bruises over my body, I once again decided to wear a jacket and long pants.

Sigh, I wish a had wider freedom for choice of clothing. But it can't be helped.

Hearing the door opening, I walked into the living room where my older brother and father were currently settling down.

"Welcome home! How was it today?" I cheerfully asked while drying my damp hair.

"Ah Yuri, we're home." My dad said while slumping on a couch. "Today didn't go so well, n.o.body could agree on a new event in the game…"

"Yeah, I wasn't there cause I'm a player, but it must have been tough." Kai agreed while hooking up his coat. "I was sent to the production building instead, it was crazy as well."

Both of them sat on the couch and deeply sighed.

"Is there any way I could help?" I asked with a concerned tone, I didn't wish for my family to suffer.

"No no, you can just enjoy playing the game! Leave this to us, in fact, Mr. Franco is moving to j.a.pan to help out. His son is actually going to transfer to Tanaka High as well! Make sure that no one bullies him okay Yuri?" Dad said while tiredly chuckling in at his own humor.

Ehehe...that's ironic. I'll make sure he doesn't get bullied, I suppose it's fine as long as he stays away from me.

I know it's been ten years already, but if I remember correctly….

Oh c.r.a.p, Mr. Franco's son....doesn't that mean HE'S coming to my school!?

Gah...how troublesome. I don't think I ever got along well with him back in America, due to some certain circ.u.mstances he had.

Let's hope he's forgotten about me, yeah, I'll just forget about him for now.

Helping Kai out with his things, I went to the kitchen and readied dinner. Since I'm the only female in the household, I guess it was natural I would prepare the food. I felt guilty for only preparing little snacks ever since Sapphire came out, so this time I decided to prepare a full course meal.

…

…

…

I got too carried away.

We could probably finish half today and have enough to pack into lunches and maybe even dinner.

Yosh, I'll cross that bridge once I get to it, for now, I'll just eat to my heart's content!

Thank you for the meal!