Nick barely slept that night.
Every time he closed his eyes, the system's warning replayed in his mind:
> Failure Penalty: Execution.
He tossed on the unfamiliar silk bedding, heart racing. Protecting a princess, fighting in an arena, and trying to win her heart in seven days… this isn't just a game—it's a nightmare on hard mode.
By dawn, servants escorted him through towering marble halls into a massive amphitheater. The Royal Arena. Its stone walls loomed like giants, banners of flame fluttering in the morning wind. Thousands of spectators filled the stands, their voices merging into a thunderous roar.
At the far side of the arena sat Lyra, her fiery hair blazing like a crown in the sun. She lounged on a golden throne, eyes locked on him with both disdain… and curiosity.
The goddess system floated lazily at his side, invisible to everyone else. "No pressure, Player Nick. All you have to do is not die horribly in front of your first love interest."
Nick gritted his teeth. "You're enjoying this way too much."
She winked. "Guilty."
A booming voice silenced the crowd. "Today, by decree of the Flameborn King, a stranger shall prove his worth! If he survives the trial, he may earn a place by Princess Lyra's side. If he fails—" The announcer's words sharpened like steel. "—he dies."
The gates across the arena creaked open.
From the shadows, a beast lumbered forward. Ten feet tall, scales black as obsidian, its eyes glowing molten red. A Flameborn Drake. Fire rippled from its jaws as it roared, shaking the stadium.
Nick's legs trembled. "They want me to fight… that?"
The goddess clapped gleefully. "Oh, a drake on your first quest! Lucky boy~"
The system chimed:
> ARENA TRIAL: SURVIVE THE DRAKE.
Objective: Stay alive for 10 minutes.
Bonus Objective: Impress Princess Lyra.
Reward: Trust +5, Fire Affinity (Minor).
Penalty: Death.
Nick's throat went dry. "Ten minutes? Against that thing?!"
The drake roared again, flames igniting the arena floor. The crowd screamed with excitement.
Lyra leaned forward in her throne, her voice carrying across the arena. "Show me, stranger. Show me you're not just another fool."
The goddess whispered, grinning wickedly, "Well, Nick… time to play."
The drake charged, fire blazing from its maw.
Nick had no weapon. No shield. Just his trembling hands—
And a glowing notification appeared in front of him.
> SYSTEM ALERT
Temporary Skill Unlocked: [Gamer's Reflex Lv.1]
Description: Instinctive dodging ability based on years of gaming experience.
Nick's eyes widened as the world slowed. The drake's flames roared toward him—
And his body moved on its own.
He rolled to the side, heat singeing his arm but missing him by inches. The crowd gasped.
Nick stumbled to his feet, heart hammering. "Oh… oh damn. This might actually work."
The goddess smirked. "That's the spirit, Player Nick. Now… let's see if you can turn survival into seduction."
Lyra's lips curved slightly—just barely—but enough for the system to chime.
> Princess Lyra: Interest +1.
The drake roared again, preparing its next attack.
And Nick realized—this wasn't just survival anymore.
This was his chance to win her heart.
---
✨ End of Chapter Three