The crowd roared.
Nick's hands clenched the controller, sweat dripping down his fingers as the final countdown flashed on the massive tournament screen.
3… 2… 1— Victory.
He dropped the controller and shot to his feet. The arena exploded with cheers, his gamer tag ShadowMC blazing in neon across the monitors. Cameras flashed, reporters shoved microphones toward him, and someone shoved a golden trophy into his hands.
"Nick, how does it feel to be the world's greatest gamer?"
For the first time in years, he smiled. Finally… I made it.
But then—headlights.
Blinding white.
A deafening honk.
The world went black.
---
Nick jolted awake, gasping. Cold stone pressed against his palms. His eyes snapped open and widened.
He wasn't in the arena. He wasn't even in his city.
A towering throne of crystal loomed above him, glowing with pulsing light. The air shimmered like liquid diamonds, and standing at the foot of the throne was… her.
A girl—no, a goddess. Long rainbow-colored hair spilled down her back, eyes glowing like twin galaxies. She leaned down, lips curved into a teasing smile.
> [SYSTEM INITIALIZED]
"Welcome, Player Nick."
Her voice echoed both in his mind and the chamber, warm and musical, almost too perfect.
Nick staggered to his feet. "Wh-where am I? Who are you?"
The girl tilted her head. "You died." She said it so casually, as if she were announcing the weather. "But don't pout. Death was just your tutorial."
A glowing blue screen blinked into existence before his eyes:
> SYSTEM NOTICE
You have been granted a new life in the Realm of Elyndor.
Strength is not earned through battles alone.
Power here is tied to the bonds of the heart.
Win them, and you will rise.
Lose them, and you will fall.
Nick blinked, disbelief painting his face. "Wait. Are you saying I have to… date people to survive?"
The goddess's smile widened into something dangerous, almost playful. She leaned close, whispering in his ear, her breath warm against his skin.
"Not just date, Nick. Desire. Love. Temptation. Every heart you win opens new powers. Every rejection weakens you."
His pulse quickened. "That's insane!"
The system chimed again, louder this time:
> FIRST QUEST UNLOCKED
Win the heart of your first Bond within seven days… or be erased.
Nick's mouth went dry. "Erased… as in—"
"Deleted," the goddess finished sweetly, pressing a finger to his lips. "Think of it as Game Over. Forever."
The throne room doors groaned open. A girl stepped inside—fiery red hair, eyes sharp like blades, her presence scorching the air around her. She looked at Nick as if he were prey.
The system screen flashed blood-red.
> TARGET BOND DETECTED: Princess Lyra, Flameborn Heir.
Success Reward: Fire Affinity.
Failure Penalty: Instant Death.
Nick's stomach dropped. Seven days… to make her fall for me?
The goddess giggled behind him. "Welcome to your new game, Nick. Play well…"
The princess unsheathed her sword, flames licking along the blade.
"…or die trying."
---
✨ End of Chapter One