The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the overwhelming brightness. The sky was a vibrant shade of blue, dotted with floating islands and winged creatures that soared gracefully through the air. Below me, a sprawling city bustled with life. Towering spires, cobblestone streets, and glowing crystals decorated every corner.
I wasn't on Earth anymore.
"Welcome to your first simulation, rookie!" System's voice rang out in my head, annoyingly cheerful. "Aren't you excited?"
"No." I groaned, sitting up. My body felt different—stronger, taller. I looked down at my hands. I was no longer a child. Somehow, I had been aged up to my late teens.
"Why am I older?" I asked.
"Because nobody wants to read about you bumbling around as a baby. Besides, you'll need to be combat-ready soon."
"Combat-ready?" My stomach twisted.
"Yep! This world is all about strength and power. The strong thrive, the weak… well, let's just say they don't last long."
Fantastic.
World Info: Valorith - Realm of Awakened Heroes.
Power System: Elemental Mastery.
Your Starting Traits: Handsome as Hell (as usual), Above-Average Intelligence, and Basic Fire Affinity.
"That's it?" I asked. "Basic Fire Affinity?"
"Don't knock it till you try it! You could've ended up with something useless like Enhanced Hair Growth."
I sighed. "So, what's my objective here?"
"Survive. Thrive. And avoid getting murdered by obsessed yanderes."
---
Adjusting to Valorith
I stood up and took a better look at my surroundings. I was in a market square filled with vendors selling everything from enchanted fruit to glowing swords. The air buzzed with energy, and everyone around me looked powerful.
People's eyes lingered on me as I walked by. I wasn't sure if it was because of my appearance or because I looked like a lost puppy.
"Hey, System. Do I have any money?"
"Check your inventory."
A small pouch appeared on my hip. Inside, there were a few gold coins.
"That's all I get?"
"Be grateful. You're not exactly royalty."
I wandered the market, hoping to figure out my next move. Suddenly, a commotion broke out near one of the vendors. A young woman with long, fiery red hair was arguing with a burly merchant.
"I told you, this fruit was rotten!" she shouted.
"And I told you, no refunds!" the merchant bellowed.
The woman's eyes glowed with a dangerous light. Flames sparked at her fingertips.
"Uh-oh," System whispered. "Yandere alert."
"Wait, what?"
The woman turned, and her gaze locked onto me. Her anger melted away, replaced by something far more unsettling—obsession.
"You," she whispered.
"Oh, crap."
---
The First Encounter
Before I could react, the red-haired woman was in front of me.
"What's your name?" she asked, her eyes never leaving mine.
"Uh… Alex."
"Alex," she repeated, as if savoring the sound. "I'm Seraphina."
"Nice to meet you, Seraphina," I said, taking a cautious step back.
"Are you new here?"
"Very."
Her eyes lit up. "Then let me show you around!"
"That's not necessary—"
"I insist." She grabbed my arm, her grip surprisingly strong.
System snickered. "You're screwed."
"Shut up," I muttered.
Seraphina led me through the city, pointing out various landmarks. She talked non-stop, but I barely registered her words. My mind was racing with escape plans.
By the time we reached a quiet park, the sun was beginning to set.
"Alex," Seraphina said softly. "I feel… connected to you."
"Oh no," System groaned.
"I've never felt this way about anyone before."
Double oh no.
Seraphina stepped closer, her eyes glowing with intensity. "I won't let anyone take you from me."
I swallowed hard. "That's… nice?"
"Let's make a pact," she said suddenly.
"A pact?"
"A bond between us. It will protect you."
"Protect me from what?"
"From anyone who tries to come between us." Her smile was sweet, but her eyes promised violence.
"Run," System whispered.
---
Escape Plan
"Actually, I just remembered—I have somewhere to be!" I said, backing away.
Seraphina's expression darkened. "But we just met."
"And it's been great! Really! But I need to… uh… train! For my awakening!"
Her eyes narrowed. "I'll come with you."
"No need!" I bolted before she could say another word.
"Coward," System teased.
"I'll take coward over dead, thanks."
I didn't stop running until I reached the outskirts of the city. My lungs burned, and my heart felt like it was going to explode.
"She's going to find you," System said cheerfully.
"Not if I hide."
"Good luck with that. Yanderes have a sixth sense when it comes to their obsessions."
I groaned. "Why me?"
"Because the universe has a twisted sense of humor."
---
Training and Trouble
Over the next few days, I kept a low profile. I found a small, abandoned cabin on the edge of a forest and used it as my base. During the day, I practiced controlling my fire affinity. It wasn't much, but I managed to produce small flames without burning my hands off.
At night, I stayed on high alert. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig set my nerves on edge.
"You can't hide forever," System warned.
"I'll figure something out."
My plan was simple: get stronger, avoid Seraphina, and survive long enough to escape this world.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
One evening, as I was returning to the cabin, I felt a familiar presence behind me.
"Found you," Seraphina said sweetly.
I froze.
"You've been avoiding me."
"I… needed time to train."
"Liar." Flames flickered around her hands. "You're trying to leave me."
"No! I swear!"
"Don't lie to me, Alex. I won't lose you."
She stepped closer, and I knew there was no reasoning with her.
"Run again?" System suggested.
"Like hell." I summoned every ounce of fire affinity I had and launched a small fireball at her feet.
It wasn't much, but it was enough to startle her. I took the chance and bolted.
---
Awakening the System
As I ran through the forest, System's voice echoed in my head.
"Congratulations! You've unlocked a new ability: Enhanced Speed."
"Finally!"
My legs moved faster than ever before, carrying me deeper into the forest. But no matter how fast I ran, I could feel Seraphina closing in.
"You can't escape me!" she shouted.
Desperation fueled my steps. I needed a miracle.
New Quest Unlocked: Survive Your First Yandere Encounter.
"Great timing, System."
"You're welcome!"
The forest opened up into a clearing. At the center stood a massive, glowing crystal.
"Touch it!" System urged.
Without hesitation, I ran to the crystal and placed my hands on its surface.
A surge of energy shot through me. My vision blurred, and the world around me faded away.
When I opened my eyes again, I was somewhere new.
"You've successfully escaped—temporarily," System said. "Welcome to the next stage."
I collapsed to the ground, exhausted but alive.
For now.