Alexei Jones had been looking forward to this day for months. A new VR game, ultra-realistic, ultra-immersive, and supposedly one of the most complex dating simulations ever made. He had stayed up all night for this, snacks at hand, excitement practically vibrating through his veins.
"Finally. My chance to escape boring reality and be someone epic," Alexei muttered, grinning at the glowing headset in front of him.
He pressed the power button, and the world went black.
Seconds later, light returned he was in not his room, not at the familiar messy desk. He works, but a grand hallway lined with marble floors, high ceilings, and chandeliers that reflected light like tiny stars. The scent of roses and polished wood filled the air.
Alexei blinked, his hands moving in front of him. Wait…these aren't my hands. They were sleek, slender, almost elegant. His body felt lighter, faster, more…noble.
"System?" he muttered. "Hello? Anyone?"
A calm, mechanical voice echoed directly in his mind.
"Welcome, Alexei Jones. You have transmigrated into the game: Eternal Hearts: Academy of Fate."
Alexei froze. Game? Transmigrated? I'm…inside the game?
"Warning: You are assigned the villain role. Your stats have been nerfed. Survival is not guaranteed."
Alexei groaned. "Of course. Of course I get the villain." He sank onto a nearby bench. "I just wanted to have fun. Not die immediately."
A notification popped into his vision:
"Objective: Survive. Secondary Objective: Form strategic alliances with other characters. Optional Objective: Romance the heroine."
Alexei sat up straighter. Okay…so I have to survive, make friends or manipulate people, and maybe romance a female lead? Sure, I can do that. Easy.
Then the hallway door burst open.
"Finally found you!" A tall, muscular figure stormed in, fists clenched, eyes blazing. Alexei recognized the type immediately: male lead, hostile, full of anger.
"I'm Kristian Russo," the boy growled. "And I will make your life miserable."
Alexei raised an eyebrow. Already? That's fast. Impressive efficiency.
Before he could respond, another figure entered a silver haired boy with a devilish grin, leaning casually against a wall.
"Oh, this is going to be fun," the boy said, voice dripping with mischief. "I'm Albert Ferguson. Can't wait to see how long you last here."
Alexei groaned. Two male leads already, and both seemed intent on making his life a nightmare. Great. Perfect. Just what I needed.
But then two more figures appeared not male this time, but female.
The first, tall and calm, with dark hair and intelligent eyes, approached him slowly. "I'm Nadia Vans," she said, voice soft but firm. "You must be Alexei. I hope you realize this academy is not kind to villains."
Alexei's heart skipped a tiny beat. Not because of romance yet though she was attractive but because she looked smart. Dangerous in a subtle way. Okay…noted.
The second female lead, with sharp, calculating eyes and elegant posture, walked in behind her. "Poppy Belian," she introduced herself smoothly. "I'm curious how long you'll last in this world before making a critical mistake."
Alexei rubbed his temples. "I just got here. And already five people are glaring at me like I personally insulted their ancestors."
Kristian stepped forward, fists clenched. "Step aside, villain. Or I'll make sure you regret it."
Albert leaned lazily, smirking. "You really think you can survive this place? Ha. Confidence is cute, but useless."
Nadia's expression remained calm. "Don't underestimate him," she said quietly.
Poppy tilted her head, eyes narrowing. "Interesting. He doesn't seem completely helpless. That could be…entertaining."
Alexei took a deep breath. Survival mode: ON.
"Alright," he said, forcing a confident smirk. "Let's get one thing straight. I may be the villain, but I'm also Alexei Jones. And I don't lose."
Kristian's glare deepened. "We'll see about that."
Albert chuckled. "Oh, we will. Trust me."
Alexei turned his attention to Nadia and Poppy. "And you two… allies or obstacles?" he asked casually.
Nadia smiled faintly. "Potential allies, if you behave."
Poppy smirked. "Potential obstacles, if you fail to impress me."
Alexei exhaled slowly. This is going to be a long stay.
A ping sounded in his vision. The system.
"Step 1: Survive initial encounters. Step 2: Begin strategic bonding. Failure may result in death, humiliation, or both."
Alexei pinched the bridge of his nose. "Survive, charm, repeat. Got it."
Kristian lunged first. Alexei ducked instinctively, rolling to the side. Kristian's fist smashed into the wall, leaving a dent. Okay…he's strong.
Albert casually flicked his wrist, tossing a small object toward Alexei. He caught it easily and tossed it back with a grin. "Not bad. Could be fun."
Nadia and Poppy stood back, watching. Nadia's expression was calm, calculating. Poppy's eyes gleamed with interest. These two are watching me like I'm a live experiment.
Alexei straightened. "Alright, gentlemen. Let's not do anything…fatal…yet. We can negotiate."
Kristian growled. "Negotiate? You're a villain. Villains aren't allowed to negotiate."
Albert laughed. "He might have a point, Kristian."
Alexei glanced at Nadia. "And you? Are you going to help me, or are you going to watch me die spectacularly?"
Nadia's lips curved into a faint smile. "Watch closely, Alexei. Learning is half the battle."
Poppy folded her arms. "I'd suggest you start impressing someone quickly. Your survival depends on it."
Alexei blinked. Impress someone? Survival depends on charm? Of course it does. System, why do you hate me so much?
"Because villains are not meant to survive," the system replied flatly.
Alexei groaned again. Well, villains adapt.
He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. "Fine. Let's start. Kristian, Albert you'll have to forgive me if I don't fear you as much as you want me to. Nadia, Poppy I'm counting on your guidance. And system…you'd better make this possible."
The group stared at him. Tension filled the room, a strange energy hovering between challenge and curiosity.
And for the first time since arriving, Alexei felt it: the thrill of a real challenge.
This is going to be fun.