"W-What the hell…?"
Aiden Cross's eyes snapped open to the sight of a cold, steel blade glinting inches from his throat.
He tried to sit up but realized—he couldn't move. Thick leather straps pinned his wrists and ankles to a heavy wooden chair. His heartbeat thundered in his ears.
"You're awake."
The voice was sharp and emotionless. Aiden turned his head slightly, only to freeze.
Standing before him was the Ice Queen herself—Seraphina Albright.
Snow-white hair cascading down her back, silver armor clinging to her tall, statuesque figure, and those glacier-blue eyes glaring at him like he was scum beneath her heel.
"I found a vial of aphrodisiac in your dorm," she said coldly, lifting a small crystal bottle with gloved fingers. "Care to explain why you tried to drug me during the Academy welcoming banquet?"
Aiden's brain stuttered.
This wasn't right. This wasn't real.
Just yesterday, he was a twenty-two-year-old webnovel addict named Lucas Reid, living a dull life with ramen dinners and cheap headphones.
He'd fallen asleep reading Rise of the Supreme Hero, a cliché harem power fantasy where the protagonist collects beautiful women like Pokémon.
The villain who tried to drug Seraphina in Chapter 3?
Aiden Cross.
A third-rate antagonist who dies in the first arc.
⚠️ [Villain System Activated.]
Welcome, Aiden Cross.
Host Soul Detected: Lucas Reid.
Host Integrity: 89%. Synchronizing memories…
Primary Directive: Survive.
A glowing blue screen appeared in front of his vision, filled with sleek text and shimmering icons.
🚨 System Quest:
Seduce the Ice Queen Before Sunrise.
Objective: Turn Seraphina's suspicion into seduction.
Time Limit: 6 Hours
Penalty for Failure: Permanent Erasure.
His breath caught in his throat.
"Are you… ignoring me?" Seraphina snapped, stepping forward. The tip of her sword pressed against his chestplate.
"Wait! This is a misunderstanding!" he blurted. "I didn't try to drug you. That vial isn't mine—someone must've planted it!"
Her eyes narrowed. "You expect me to believe that? You're the son of a disgraced noble. A rat crawling back into the Academy for one last chance at glory."
Aiden's mind raced. He wasn't just in a story—he was in a scripted death scene. But this time, the System had given him a chance.
And one hell of a suicidal mission.
He exhaled slowly, switching tactics.
"…You're right."
She raised an eyebrow.
"I did bring the vial," he said. "But it wasn't for you."
"…What?"
"It was for the Headmistress," he said, locking eyes with her. "Because she's been manipulating me since day one. That bottle was part of her plan. She told me if I used it during the banquet, she'd 'forgive my family's crimes.' I didn't want to. I backed out. Someone planted it to make it look like I went through with it."
Aiden had no clue if that would work—but hey, guilt, betrayal, and false loyalty were premium drama-fuel.
For a moment, Seraphina's expression flickered. Just slightly.
🎭 [Deception Skill – Novice Lv.1 – Activated.]
Success Chance: 27% → 51% (based on Seraphina's emotional vulnerability)
Charm Bonus: +10
She slowly lowered her sword.
"…The Headmistress has a reputation for manipulation," she murmured. "Still, if you were lying…"
"I'd already be dead," Aiden said smoothly. "But you're not here to kill me, are you?"
Her brow furrowed. "I should be."
"But you didn't. You tied me up instead," he said, voice lowering. "Because something doesn't add up, and you know it."
🧠 [Persuasion Skill – Novice Lv.1 – Activated.]
+20 Affinity if successful.
"…You're playing a dangerous game," she said, taking a step back, conflicted.
🔔 Affection Progress: [Seraphina Albright – 2%]
Status: Suspicious Curiosity
It wasn't much, but it was a start.
"I need to get out of here," he said. "And I need your help."
Seraphina crossed her arms, staring at him like she was trying to read his soul.
"I'm not helping you," she said at last. "But I'll delay reporting this to the faculty. For now."
✅ Minor Quest Update: Penalty Delayed
Next Step: Engage Emotional Trigger
Aiden nodded. "Thanks. For what it's worth… I used to admire you. Still do."
She paused.
"I read every article about your war against the Crimson Blades. How you stood alone at the Helmfrost Gate. You're more than the Ice Queen to me. You're a legend."
🧊 Emotional Trigger Detected: Legacy & Reputation
🎯 Optimal Move: Compliment with sincerity
Seraphina hesitated for a heartbeat.
"…I didn't do it for admiration," she said. "I did it because I had to."
"I know," he replied softly. "But that's what makes it worth admiring."
Another flicker. Her gaze wavered.
🔔 Affection Progress: [Seraphina Albright – 6%]
Status: Wary but Intrigued
⏳ Time Remaining: 5h 22m
Bonus Objective Unlocked: Earn Physical Contact without Resistance
"You've got guts," she muttered. "Stupid, reckless guts. But… maybe not a liar."
"Untie me and I'll prove it," Aiden said.
Seraphina's hand hovered over the straps.
"…If you try anything—"
"I won't," he promised.
She sighed, then undid the restraints one by one.
Aiden stood, rubbing his sore wrists.
✅ Physical Contact Achieved
Reward: +1 Charm, +1 Persuasion
"You're still a suspect," she said. "But… you're not the coward I expected."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"You shouldn't."
🔔 Affection Progress: [Seraphina Albright – 9%]
Status: Cold Curiosity
He took a step closer.
"There's something else you should know," he said, lowering his voice. "Someone's trying to sabotage both of us. This isn't about a vial. It's about control. And we're pawns in someone's twisted game."
She tilted her head. "Why would anyone target me?"
"You're the strongest shield in the Academy. If you fall early, the rest will crumble."
🎯 Triggered Foreshadowing Thread: [Academy Conspiracy Arc]
Potential Ally Flag Set: Seraphina Albright
Seraphina's jaw tightened.
"…Then I'll find them," she said. "And I'll make them regret it."
He gave her a lopsided smile. "That's the Ice Queen I admire."
Her cheeks flushed—barely noticeable.
🔔 Affection Progress: [Seraphina Albright – 12%]
Status: Guarded Interest
⏳ Time Remaining: 5h 06m
Seduction Progress: 12%
System Tip: Utilize emotional vulnerability + proximity for higher gains.
Just as Aiden began to plan his next move, the door burst open.
A shadowy figure stood in the doorway—red eyes glowing in the dark.
"Seraphina! Step away from him!"
The original protagonist. Dante Valen.
The Hero had arrived.