"Step away from him, Seraphina."
The voice dripped with authority—sharp, noble, and furious.
Dante Valen, heir to the Valen Duchy, the protagonist of this world's story… and Aiden's future executioner if things went according to the original plot.
Aiden raised his head, meeting Dante's burning crimson eyes. The guy looked exactly like every harem novel lead: tall, broad-shouldered, black hair swept to the side, and wearing a pristine military-academy uniform lined with golden thread.
A blazing aura of righteous power pulsed off him. His hand rested on the hilt of his glowing sword—Lucentbane, a mythical artifact that didn't unlock until Chapter 10 in the original story.
So why the hell was it glowing now?
"Dante," Seraphina said coolly, stepping slightly to the side but not backing down. "This isn't what it looks like."
"Really? Because it looks like you're defending a criminal," Dante snapped, eyes narrowing. "This scum tried to drug you. You think I wouldn't notice his presence in your quarters?"
⚠️ [Danger Flag Triggered: Dante Valen – Hostile Mode]
Warning: Protagonist suspects your interference.
Options: Submit | Bluff | Counter-Aura Challenge
Aiden smirked inwardly.
So the Hero had noticed his script being rewritten. Good.
He cracked his neck and stepped forward, shoulders relaxed.
"Always such a white knight, huh, Dante?" he said, voice casual. "But even knights fall off their high horses eventually."
"You've got five seconds to shut your mouth before I rip your tongue out."
"I'd love to see you try."
🎭 [Provocation Skill – Novice Lv.2 – Activated]
Effect: Increases enemy aggression; useful for emotional manipulation.
System Bonus: +1 Confidence, +1 Aura Resistance
Dante's aura flared. The temperature in the room spiked. Dust shook from the rafters.
"Enough," Seraphina said sharply, stepping between them. "We're not doing this here."
"I won't stand aside," Dante growled. "He's dangerous. He's playing you."
"No," Seraphina said. "He told me things that made sense. He might be… a pawn in something bigger."
That made Dante freeze.
"You believe him?" he asked, voice low.
"I don't trust him," she said. "But I don't trust this situation either."
🔔 Affection Progress: [Seraphina Albright – 14%]
Status: Wary Support
Aiden smirked.
That's right, Hero-boy. You're not the only one with plot armor now.
"I'm leaving," Seraphina said, brushing past both of them. "Sort this out. Don't kill each other."
And just like that, the Ice Queen disappeared into the night.
Leaving Aiden alone with a livid protagonist.
🎯 Rival Flag Set: Dante Valen – Active Antagonist
Objective: Undermine his authority to gain access to heroines.
"You've got guts, Cross," Dante said, stepping closer. "Or you're just suicidal."
"Maybe a little of both," Aiden said with a lopsided grin.
"You think you can rewrite fate? That you can win?"
"No. I know I can steal your story and make it mine."
Dante's hand twitched. For a second, Aiden thought he might draw his sword. But instead, Dante turned, his cloak whipping dramatically.
"This isn't over."
✅ Plot Divergence Established
Dante will now monitor you personally.
Bonus Triggered: "Rivalry Sparks" – Each interaction raises public tension and heroine interest.
As the door slammed shut, Aiden exhaled.
✅ Quest Update:
Status with Seraphina: [Cautious Ally]
Status with Dante: [Rival Activated]
Progress Toward Survival: 18%
Time Remaining Until System Reset: 4h 27m
He sat on the edge of the bed, wiping sweat from his brow.
"That was too close…"
Then the System window blinked again.
🎁 Bonus Unlocked:
Skill: Dark Charm (Lv.1) – Enhances charisma during intimate or high-stakes interactions.
Effect: +10% to seduction attempts.
New Feature: [Charm Radar Activated]
A glowing ring of pulsing red and pink lines extended from his body like a sonar pulse.
Outside the dorm hallway, three pulses lit up.
[Seraphina Albright – Emotional Tension: 45%]
[Unknown Presence – Curiosity: 30%]
[Elira Moonveil – Interest: 22%]
"Who the hell is Elira?"
He followed the signal quietly, leaving the dorm behind and slipping into the quiet corridors of the academy's North Wing.
Sure enough, someone was waiting by the moonlit fountain.
A girl sat there, humming softly.
Elira Moonveil.
Short, silver-haired, and wearing a priestess's gown with a low-cut neckline that clashed with her supposed innocence. In the original novel, she was a saint-in-training. She didn't join the harem until much later, but she was one of the most desired heroines due to her mysterious duality.
In fan forums, people called her "the hidden devil in angel's robes."
So what was she doing out here so early?
🎯 Surprise Encounter Triggered
Quest: "Unlock the Priestess's Mask"
Objective: Charm Elira without triggering her defensive aura.
He approached, keeping his steps light.
She looked up before he could speak.
"Oh? Aiden Cross… alone at night?" she said sweetly. "That's quite bold."
Her smile was polite. Innocent.
Her eyes were not.
"I could say the same about you," Aiden replied. "Most people sleep at this hour."
"I don't sleep much," she said. "The stars tell me things."
He raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. They told you I'd be here?"
"No," she giggled. "But the System did."
Aiden's blood ran cold.
"What?"
She tilted her head, smile widening. "You're not the only one with a System, silly."
❗ Hidden System User Detected
Elira's System: [Oracle Path] – Aligned with Fate Manipulation
Danger Level: Medium
Compatibility Potential: High
Aiden's mind reeled.
"So you know…"
"I know you're not really Aiden. Not the one from this world," she whispered. "But I don't care. In fact, I like you better this way."
She stood, brushing off her robe.
"I want to help you," she said. "But you'll need to prove you're serious."
"And how do I do that?"
She walked up to him, dangerously close.
"Kiss me."
⚠️ Sudden Decision Node
[Accept] – Gain +Affinity, unlock Elira's hidden path
[Refuse] – Lose progress, increase suspicion
Aiden leaned in.
Just before their lips touched—
🧨 Emotional Spark Triggered
[Elira Moonveil – Affection +15%]
Status: Masked Temptation
Their lips met briefly—soft, warm, electric.
When they parted, she smiled again.
"You'll be fun, villain boy," she whispered.
Then she vanished into mist.
Aiden stood frozen.
🎯 Elira Moonveil Progress: 37%
Trait Revealed: Dual Nature (Holy/Dark)
🔔 System Tip: Balancing multiple heroines increases global tension.
Proceed with caution. Or don't.
He chuckled to himself.
"This is gonna be insane."
And the clock was still ticking.
⏳ Time Until Reset: 4h 09m
Progress Toward Survival: 26%