Republic of Valoria — Haverncrest City
"Teacher… although I love you, this is unfair," Ryker Stone muttered, tugging his UV-resistant jacket tighter. The white sun beat down like a molten blade, turning the streets into a shimmering oven.
The usual hum of traffic was gone; only the distant groans of stragglers echoed through cracked asphalt and puddles of brackish water reflecting the blinding light.
Ryker was alone, heading toward Blackwood Academy. Most people had already hidden away, but Sera Vance — his teacher — had insisted on a final, mandatory class.
The news had been grim: a gamma burst in the galaxy had destabilized Earth's environment. Scientists predicted centuries before recovery. Ryker clenched his teeth. At least I'd see Sera today… maybe closer than ever. A foolish, burning smile spread across his face.
His messy black hair stuck to his forehead. His dark eyes, calm yet intense, scanned the desolate road. The school gates were only a hundred meters away…
"Hmm?" Footsteps behind him.
"Oh, it's you, Jake?" Ryker laughed lightly.
"Hey, how you doin'?" Jake replied, forcing a grin.
"Did you like that eroge I lent you?" Ryker smirked.
Jake chuckled, "Yeah… those female characters were something else, hehehe."
"Good, good. I'm fine too, bro."
Jake's expression darkened. He looked down and sighed.
"My family went to Whitelands… packed and ready. Thought snow would be better than this scorching hell."
Ryker raised an eyebrow.
"And now?"
"Teacher Sera scheduled extra classes. Mandatory," Jake said, his voice hollow. "I stood there… watching them leave last night like a clown." His fists clenched.
Suddenly, a low, wet groan came from an alley. Both boys turned.
A figure dragged itself forward, skin gray, jaw slack, eyes lifeless. A zombie.
"Hehehe!" Jake laughed nervously. "Look at that."
The stench hit Ryker first — rotting flesh, decay, death.
Before he could react, the zombie lunged at Jake, teeth sinking into his arm.
"Ahhh! Ryker, help!"
Ryker dashed forward, panic flaring, but something shifted inside him. A warmth, a buzzing… a voice:
[System Activated: Sovereign's Harem System]
[First Power-Up Unlocked: Reflex +20, Strength +15]
[Threat Potential Detected: 1 Target Nearby — Jake]
Ryker's heart skipped. His reflexes sharpened instinctively. With a swift kick, he knocked the zombie off Jake.
Jake's arm was blackening, spreading like ink. He whimpered, dazed.
"This… can't be real!" Ryker's pupils shrank. Another groan rose from Jake as he staggered toward Ryker, body twitching unnaturally.
Ryker acted instinctively, kicking him back. He ran. Blackwood Academy's gates loomed ahead.
"Thank God…" he gasped, slamming the door shut behind him.
Inside, the air was cooler. He leaned against a desk, heart hammering.
"You finally came!"
Sera Vance stood at the front — mid-twenties, sharp yet elegant, curves accentuated by a crisp white blouse and fitted black skirt. Black stockings hugged her legs, giving her a presence that made Ryker's chest tighten.
Every glance at her made his heart race. In his mind, she appeared in a flowing white wedding dress, walking toward him, smiling… leaning in to kiss him.
"Oh… teacher! How can I make you mine?" he muttered, heat rising to his cheeks.
"Ryker! Are you awake?" Sera snapped, shaking him lightly.
"Y-Yes, I'm fine, Sera."
"Sera?"
"No… I mean, Teacher Sera!" Ryker panicked, bowing slightly.
[Sovereign's Harem System]
[System Alert: Bond Opportunity Detected — Target: Sera Vance]
[Special Ability Unlocked: Charm Pulse +5]
Ryker froze. His pulse raced. The world outside might be burning. Zombies might be lurking. But this… this could be the start of something dangerous and thrilling.
"Teacher… do you know what's happening?" Ryker's voice shook slightly.
"I saw Jake… turn into a zombie after he got bitten!"
Another student shouted, "I thought it was just some prank, but… something's wrong. I ran off without looking back!"
Around thirty students crowded near the exit, whispering in terror. Eyes wide, fear etched every face.
"Will we… turn into zombies too?" a girl muttered, trembling.
"So what if it's an apocalypse? What can they do?" a boy sneered.
"My father's a government official!"
Everyone rolled their eyes.
Brendan Hayes — rich, cocky, slicked-back hair and a hyena-like grin — pushed forward. Entitled arrogance practically dripped from him.
Then, a muffled scream echoed down the hallway.
"AAAH! Save me!" a panicked voice screamed.
All eyes snapped toward the sound.
Sera's strict voice cut through the chaos: "Everyone, stay here! I'll handle it!"
She sprinted toward the hall. Ahead, a student's arm was blackening, twisting unnaturally.
"Teacher! Save me! A zombie bit me!" the student cried.
DING!
[Sovereign's Harem System: Activated]
[Quest: Save Teacher Sera and win her heart through your kind actions]
[Reward: Water Elemental Magic]
"This… this is real?" Ryker's eyes widened. The system he had read about in novels — it was actually here!
A laugh escaped him, nervous but excited. "Now… this life just got interesting."
He willed his mind.
[Open Stats]
[Sovereign's Harem System]
[Bonding Target: Sera Vance — Affection 30+]
[Host Name: Ryker Stone]
[Strength: 17]
[Reflex: 20]
[Stamina: 16]
[Charm: 35]
"Not bad for a start," Ryker muttered, a sly grin forming. But his gaze snapped forward, sharp and focused. Saving her comes first.
Teacher Sera had approached the infected student, her composure unwavering.
"Don't worry, you'll be fine," she soothed — but a grip suddenly grabbed her from behind.
"Ryker? Let go of my hand! I told all the students to stay put. Why did you come?" Her frown was stern… but a hint of worry flickered in her eyes.
"I came for you… teacher," Ryker said, his voice low, steady, filled with resolve.
A cold wind swept the hallway. Shadows twisted unnaturally. Ryker felt the system pulse against his chest. This is just the beginning…