I didn't flinch, but one thought kept racing through my mind:
The system.
The Harem System.
God... women have always been my weakness—and now, they might just be my salvation.
I stepped into a colossal building, larger and more majestic than any temple I'd ever seen.
Armored women lined the entrance, standing like statues, eyes sharp and unblinking—fixed entirely on me.
"Act normal if you want to survive here," one of them warned, just before pushing open an enormous door.
I took three cautious steps inside.
And then—I saw her.
The most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on.
Even seated, she radiated power and elegance. Her skin shimmered like polished glass—I could see my reflection in her.
"Who is he?" she asked, her voice smooth and commanding.
The other women moved away from me instantly, forming a protective line by her side.
"I found him near the male cells," one of them said. "He's an intruder."
She studied me in silence, her eyes narrowed just slightly—enough to make my heartbeat stutter.
An intruder. That's what they called me. But I didn't feel like one.
Not with the Harem System humming quietly in the back of my mind.
> [System Notification]
High-level female detected: Compatibility rate – 94%
New quest unlocked: Tame the Ice Empress
I swallowed hard. Trying Process the words of my system.
She stood slowly, and the entire room shifted with her. It was like watching a goddess descend from a throne made of stars. Power clung to her with every step she took toward me.
"So," she said, circling me like a predator, "you're the one who's been causing all this disruption."
"I didn't mean to trespass," I replied carefully, my eyes locked on hers. "I just… woke up here."
"Men don't just wake up in this realm," she said. "They're born to serve—or not born at all."
Another ding rang in my mind.
> [New Ability Unlocked: Submissive Reversal]
Charm Aura activated: Nearby females affected by passive attraction.
I noticed a shift in the women around her—barely visible, but real. Eyes lingered longer. Posture softened. One of the guards even blinked twice, confused.
The Ice Empress paused.
"What are you?" she asked, voice lower now, more curious than cold.
I met her gaze without hesitation. "I'm not entirely sure yet," I said, truthfully. "But I think I'm here for something bigger."
For a moment, silence stretched between us. Her lips parted like she might speak again—but then she turned on her heel.
"Put him in the guest wing," she ordered. "Under watch. I want to know what makes him special."
> [Quest Updated: Survive the First Night. Bonus reward if you impress the Empress.]
As they escorted me away, I glanced back one last time.
Her eyes were still on me.
And I knew, somehow, this was only the beginning for something.
The walk to the guest wing felt endless. My legs were weak, my head heavy—honestly, I was close to passing out.
Then I saw it.
The sway of her hips. The perfect curve. Her backside alone was enough to jolt me back to life.
"Hey, beautiful," I called out, voice low and teasing.
She didn't turn around, but her reply floated back like silk.
"You're the one who looks sexy… and overwhelmingly beautiful."
Was that sarcasm? Maybe. But her slight blush gave her away.
I waited, hoping she'd say more. Nothing. She held her posture like a trained warrior—composed, unreadable. Not easy to break.
I thought the system would make this smoother...
Then I caught the eye of the second girl.
A quick glance. A smile. A soft pink crept up her cheeks.
There we go.
> [System Functions Activated]
Charm +100% against all women
Skill unlocked: Touch of Desire
Skill unlocked: Command Presence
Harem Slots: 1/9
Quest Generated: Claim your first companion to unlock system expansion
I leaned slightly toward her, dropping my voice.
"You're stunning," I said.
We reached a large door marked boldly: GUEST WING.
From a distance, the place already looked rundown. The air reeked faintly of mold and metal. It reminded me too much of Jhua—of prison cells, suffering, filth.
Not exactly the welcome I expected as a so-called prince.
The first girl opened the door, and the stench hit me full force.
"You'll stay here until the Empress decides what to do with you," she said flatly—then shoved me inside without care.
Hard.
I stumbled forward, catching myself just before I hit the floor.
Before the door closed, the second girl—the one who smiled—spoke softly.
"You can call me Rhea."
I managed a smile back, a spark of hope in the chaos.
But the first one scoffed. "Why are you telling him your name? He's an alien."
That word hit hard.
I turned to face her, frowning.
She stared at me like I'd personally offended her. Like I didn't belong here. Like I'd taken something that was hers.
"You can't call him that," Rhea said, firm now. "It's rude."
The first girl rolled her eyes and slammed the door behind them.
And just like that, I was alone.
I stared at the grimy walls, the cracked floor, the old cot in the corner.
But none of it mattered now. I didn't care about the dirt. The stench. The cold.
All I cared about was completing my mission.
> Claim your first companion.
The system wanted progress—and I intended to give it exactly that.
But i had no idea what "claim" really meant. Did I need to make someone fall for me? Earn their trust? Kiss them?
My heart was still beating fast—not just because of the system, but because of her.
Rhea.
She smiled at me. She gave me her name. That meant something, right?
I paced the room, wondering what to do next.
Then, I heard a soft knock.
Before I could answer, the door opened.
Rhea stepped in, holding a tray with food and a small cup of water. She looked around, a little sad.
"Sorry about this place," she said. "It's not where we usually keep... guests."
I didn't care about the room. I only cared about her.
"I've stayed in worse," I said with a small smile.
She placed the tray down and turned to leave—but paused.
"You're not like the other men," she said quietly. "You're calm. Confident."
I stepped closer. "I'm trying to survive."
She looked at me for a long moment, like she was deciding something.
Then she stepped closer too.
> [System Alert: Target Open to Bonding – Compatibility: 82%]
Touch of Desire available.
My hand moved before I could stop it. Gently, I touched her hand.
She didn't pull away.
Her breath caught. Her cheeks turned red.
> [Skill Activated: Touch of Desire]
Emotional connection forming...
First Companion Bond: 37%
She looked down, then back into my eyes.
"I don't know what's happening," she whispered, "but I feel… drawn to you."
I leaned in, voice soft. "Maybe it's not just you."
She blinked, confused—but not afraid.
> [Bond Progress: 51%]
Then footsteps echoed outside.
She pulled back fast. "I have to go. If they see me here too long—"
She stopped herself. Looked like she wanted to say more.
"I'll come back," she said.
Then she left, closing the door behind her.
And I stood there, heart racing, system glowing in my mind.
> [Quest Progress: First Companion Bond – 51%]
[Warning: New threat approaching – Prepare for challenge.]
A threat?
I turned toward the door.
Something told me my night was far from over.