"Fuck, I lost again," Alex groaned, the stark 'YOU LOST' text mocking him from the screen. He slumped back, turning his head to the right. There she was, Jasmine, a vision of nineteen-year-old perfection, a cute, almost predatory smirk playing on her lips.
And God, she really was something else. Her long, fiery red hair cascaded around her, a vibrant, living flame that framed a face sculpted for adoration – sharp, delicate features, eyes that sparkled with a knowing mischief. But it was her figure that truly commanded attention, a breathtaking symphony of curves. Beneath her casual clothes, you could feel the promise of an amazing, hourglass shape, with a generous, gravity-defying swell of breasts that seemed to strain against her fabric, demanding not just a second, but a third, and fourth, lingering look. Every curve was perfectly placed, a testament to a body that was both powerfully athletic and undeniably soft. She was the kind of beauty that made you forget your losses, even when she was the one who had just effortlessly beaten you.
"Alex, you really need to practice," Jasmine purred, her voice a low, sweet melody. She leaned closer, a deliberate, tantalizing movement, ensuring her ample cleavage was perfectly framed by the low-cut top she'd chosen just for him. Her eyes held a playful challenge, a silent invitation. "Well... if you want, I can spend the night here and give you some private lessons."
"That will be inappropriate, Jasmine," Alex replied, completely oblivious to the heat radiating from her. He flicked her forehead playfully, a brotherly gesture that made something inside her clench. "This is still a boys' hostel, and isn't there a roll call every night at your girls' hostel?"
"Ughhh... stupid roll call," Jasmine grumbled, feigning annoyance as she glanced out the window. It was Saturday afternoon, the campus mostly deserted, students either home or scattered across the city. The perfect opportunity, ruined by mundane rules. She had planned this day meticulously, just to spend every possible moment with him.
"It's alright. I'll practice all night and beat you tomorrow," Alex declared, already refocusing on the screen.
"Hah, you wish!" Jasmine sighed internally, a pang of frustration echoing in her chest. Any other boy would be practically drooling, begging for the "private lessons" she'd just offered. Yet, the one boy she wanted, the one she craved, remained utterly, maddeningly oblivious.
"Alex," Jasmine began, her voice suddenly softer, a tremor of vulnerability she couldn't hide. Her heart felt heavy, a cold knot forming in her stomach. "I heard rumors about you and Natasha. Are they true?" She didn't want this to be true at all, praying it was just a stupid, baseless rumor.
"I..." Alex started, his brow furrowing, about to reply.
Before he could finish, the entire world shuddered. Not a tremor, but a deep, resonant shake that vibrated through the very bones of the planet. The vibrant afternoon sky, moments ago a clear blue, turned an impossible, suffocating black, as if a cosmic inkwell had spilled across the heavens. All sound ceased, every whisper, every distant hum, every beat of a heart, silenced for a terrifying instant. Then, a crushing wave of unconsciousness swept over everything, pulling every living soul into oblivion.
A voice, deep and resonant, echoed in the void. "Sir, please, rein in your Aura. Everyone's falling unconscious under your presence."
Another voice, shimmering with cold amusement, replied. "What a trash world..."
Alex's eyes fluttered open to an oppressive darkness. He was alone, utterly alone, suspended in a void. He could feel a presence above him, vast and radiating light, so brilliant it obscured any form, any gender, any face.
"Ahem... ahem," the luminous presence cleared its throat, a sound that seemed to reverberate through the very fabric of existence. "Inhabitants of this planet. Your planet's trial period has ended, and we are now integrating you into the System. For the past few years, we have been guiding you on how the System works, in the form of games, novels, and stories. Now, your planet is lucky enough to experience it firsthand."
Alex could have sworn he felt the shiny figure chuckle, a sound that sent a shiver down his spine, before the dark world around him began to crack and shatter, like breaking glass. He heard the final words of the message, clear and chilling, before everything dissolved into blinding light.
"Let the game begin."