The campfire crackled in the dim light of the simulated forest. Leo sat with Freya and Ulrich, both exhausted from the events of the past few days. They were finally catching their breath, but something in the air felt final—like a storm on the horizon.
[Congratulations! You've reached the final stretch of this disaster. Are you ready for the big finish?]
"Big finish?" Leo groaned. "You couldn't have mentioned that earlier?"
[Where's the fun in that? Now sit tight. It's time for Selene's grand entrance.]
---
They didn't have to wait long.
A dark swirl of energy materialized just beyond the camp's perimeter. From the shadows, Selene emerged—her crimson eyes gleaming with an unholy light. Her white hair floated around her as if caught in an invisible breeze.
"Leo," she said softly, almost tenderly. "Did you really think you could run from me forever?"
Freya grabbed her axe, but Leo put a hand on her shoulder.
"No," he said, standing to face Selene. "I knew you'd find me eventually."
Selene's expression softened, but the madness in her eyes didn't fade. "Then why did you run?"
Leo sighed. "Because I'm tired. I'm tired of being chased, of fighting for my life every time we meet. What happened to us, Selene?"
For a moment, something vulnerable flashed across her face. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by cold resolve.
"You left me," she said. "You promised we'd be together forever."
[Cue the tragic backstory.]
---
Selene's Past
Years ago, before Leo had awakened the Life Simulation System, he had lived a quiet life as a hunter-in-training. That's when he met Selene.
She had been a prodigy in their academy, excelling in every combat class and earning the admiration of many. But Selene wasn't interested in fame or power. She only had eyes for Leo.
Leo had been a charming, reckless boy back then. They trained together, sparred together, and eventually fell in love—or so Selene thought.
One day, during a particularly dangerous mission, Leo saved Selene from a rogue demon. It was a near-death experience that cemented Selene's obsession. She became convinced that they were destined to be together.
"You saved me," she had whispered, clutching Leo's hand. "I'll never let you go."
At first, Leo thought it was just an expression of gratitude. But over time, Selene's behavior became more erratic. She would follow him everywhere, intervene in his fights, and eliminate anyone she perceived as a threat to their relationship.
Things escalated when Selene discovered a forbidden ritual that granted her demonic powers. She performed the ritual in secret, hoping to become strong enough to protect Leo from anything and everything.
But the ritual had unintended consequences.
The dark energy corrupted Selene's mind, amplifying her possessiveness into an all-consuming obsession.
"You belong to me," she had declared the night Leo tried to break up with her.
When Leo refused, Selene snapped. She attacked him with her newfound powers, nearly killing him in the process.
That night, Leo fled. And he had been running ever since.
---
"Do you remember?" Selene's voice broke through Leo's thoughts, bringing him back to the present.
He nodded. "I remember. But Selene, this has to stop. We can't keep doing this."
"We don't have to," she said. "Come with me. Let's leave this world behind. Together."
Leo's heart ached at the desperation in her voice. But he couldn't ignore the madness that still clung to her like a shadow.
"I can't," he said softly.
Selene's eyes darkened. "Then you leave me no choice."
Dark energy erupted from her hands, spiraling toward Leo.
[Oh boy. Here we go again.]
---
The final battle was chaotic and brutal. Freya and Ulrich fought alongside Leo, but Selene's power was overwhelming.
"She's too strong!" Freya shouted as Selene deflected another blow.
Leo gritted his teeth. "We just need to buy time."
[Actually, you're almost out of time. The simulation is collapsing.]
"Wait, what?!"
[Did I forget to mention that? My bad. Simulation ends in T-minus sixty seconds.]
Leo's mind raced. There was only one way to end this.
"Selene!" he yelled. "I'm sorry."
Her energy faltered for a split second. "What?"
"I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm sorry for everything. But this has to end."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Leo…"
The ground trembled as the simulation began to disintegrate. The forest dissolved into a sea of white light.
Selene reached for him, but it was too late. The world shattered around them.
---
When Leo opened his eyes, he was back in the real world.
[Simulation complete. Congratulations, you survived! Barely.]
"Selene…" Leo whispered.
[Don't worry. She's not gone. And something tells me she's not done with you yet.]
Leo sat up, his heart heavy with guilt and dread. The past had a way of catching up with him—and this time, it wasn't going to let go so easily.
---
[End of Chapter 7.]