It all started with a single, dumb decision.
Late at night, half-asleep and scrolling mindlessly through sketchy pop-up ads (don't ask why), I saw it—
"DOWNLOAD THIS APP AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE!"
Normally, I'd ignore it. But my sleep-deprived brain thought, Eh, why not?
Biggest mistake of my life.
The moment I tapped "Install," my phone screen went white, the lights flickered, and my entire room pulsed with an ominous glow. A robotic voice echoed in my head.
[Congratulations, Host! You have activated The Supreme System!]
My body tensed. "W-What? Who said that?!"
[This is your brand-new System, designed to help you become the ultimate version of yourself! Complete missions, earn rewards, and achieve greatness!]
I blinked. "Wait… is this one of those OP protagonist systems? Like in web novels?"
[Affirmative!]
My heart pounded. Holy crap, this is real?! Was this my ticket to becoming rich, powerful, and surrounded by beautiful women?!
[New Mission Unlocked!]
A translucent blue screen appeared in front of me.
[Mission: Charm the Ice Queen!] Target: Isabella Frost Reward: +5 Charisma, $10,000 Penalty: Public humiliation (LIVE STREAMED)]
I read it twice, thrice. My mouth went dry.
"Isabella Frost? You mean THE Isabella? The cold-hearted goddess of our university? The one who treats men like they're gum stuck to her designer heels?"
[Affirmative!]
I paled. "No way. I refuse. I like being alive."
[Host, refusing a mission will trigger an automatic penalty.]
I gulped. "W-What kind of penalty?"
[You will be tripped in front of a crowd, your pants will fall down, and the moment will be broadcast on every social media platform available.]
My soul left my body.
"You wouldn't."
[Initiating countdown: 5… 4…]
"WAIT! FINE! I'll do it!"
[Mission Accepted! Good luck, Host!]
I stared at my phone, shaking. My peaceful, uneventful life had just gone straight to hell.
The next day, I stood outside the university courtyard, mentally preparing myself.
"Okay, Ethan. Deep breath. Just be confident. Walk up, compliment her hair, and leave. Easy."
I took a step forward.
"Hey, Isabella—"
She turned.
Her ice-blue eyes locked onto mine, radiating an aura of pure, unfiltered intimidation. I felt my soul shrivel.
"…Hi?" I squeaked.
The entire courtyard went silent. Students turned to watch.
Abort. ABORT! My brain screamed at me to run.
"What do you want?" she asked flatly.
I cleared my throat. "I just… wanted to say you look nice today."
Her expression didn't change. Then, slowly, her gaze drifted downward—to my shaking hands, clenched into nervous fists.
A smirk tugged at her lips.
"Are you… trying to flirt with me?"
I choked on air. "W-WHAT? No! I just—"
"Interesting," she mused. "Tell me, what makes you think you're worthy of even speaking to me?"
I was about to reply when—
[BONUS MISSION UNLOCKED!]
[Mission: Assert Dominance!] Task: Grab Isabella's hand and confidently declare, "You're exactly my type." Reward: +5 Strength, +3 Charisma, $5,000 Penalty: Trip and fall into her lap.]
I felt my soul leave my body again.
The system was trying to kill me.
"Well?" Isabella raised an eyebrow.
I had two choices: humiliation by failure or humiliation by action.
…Screw it.
Before my courage could run away, I reached out, gently took her hand, and said, "You're exactly my type."
The whole courtyard gasped.
Silence stretched between us. My heart pounded like a drum.
Isabella stared at me, stunned.
Then—
WHAM!
A cold can of iced coffee slammed against my forehead.
"Pervert," she muttered before walking away.
The system chimed in.
[Mission Completed!]
[+5 Strength Acquired! +3 Charisma Acquired! $5,000 Deposited!]
Lying on the ground, forehead throbbing, I groaned.
This system was going to ruin my life.