Aril stumbled out of the abandoned house, his heart pounding as though it would burst through his chest. The cold night air of Magiria bit into his skin, making him realize once again—this was no dream.
Where am I? What is this world?
The memory of the Bear-faced Assassin cutting his thumb and binding him with that strange green energy still burned against his hand. He clenched his fist.
"Damn it… I don't belong here. I just want to go home."
But before he could take another step, the world around him froze. The trees, the night air, even the sound of his breath—everything halted.
Then, a soft yet mocking voice echoed inside his head:
"Traveller Aril. Welcome to your trial."
Aril's eyes widened. "What the hell—who's there?"
The voice chuckled. "I am the Harem System. You were chosen not by fate, not by gods, but by chaos itself. You are no longer a mere human. You are my host."
Aril froze. System? Like… in those novels I read online?
A glowing panel appeared before him, made of light and letters that shifted in midair.
[Harem System – Initialization Complete]
Host: Aril
Age: 16
Cultivation: Novice (Level 1)
Skills: None
Bond Slots: 0/5
Main Quest (Tutorial): Survive 3 days in Magiria.
Reward: Status Window Unlocked.
"Three days…?" Aril muttered, reading the text. "And if I fail?"
"Then you die. Simple, isn't it?"
His blood ran cold.
Before he could speak, another screen opened.
[Side Quest: First Encounter]
Seek out your first Bond Partner. A bond will grant you strength.
Reward: Beginner Skill.
Aril's face twisted. "Bond partner? What does that even—"
A rustling noise cut through the silence. His head snapped up. From the shadows of the forest, glowing red eyes stared back at him. A creature padded forward, drool dripping from its fanged maw.
It looked like a wolf—only twice as large, its fur lined with streaks of shadowy mist.
Aril stumbled back. "You've got to be kidding me…"
The system chimed again.
"Fight, or die. Perhaps, if you're lucky, someone will come to help you."
The beast growled, muscles coiling as it leapt toward him. Aril screamed, raising his arms instinctively—
And in that instant, a blur of motion flashed past him.
A figure landed between Aril and the wolf, blades glinting under the moonlight.
The wolf howled once—then collapsed, a clean cut across its throat.
Aril's eyes widened as the figure turned toward him.
A girl.
Long black hair tied behind her, crimson eyes sharp as blades. A half-mask covered the lower half of her face. Her aura was cold, dangerous—yet captivating.
She narrowed her eyes. "You. Why are you here?"
Aril's heart skipped a beat as the system chimed again:
[Potential Bond Detected.]