White light blinded Ren. His body felt like it was being pulled from reality, drifting through a dimensional tunnel that seemed to swallow time and logic. When his feet finally touched the ground, he realized he was not alone.
Four other young men stood with him in the middle of a grand room. Golden pillars towered, a red carpet stretched to a high throne guarded by silver-armored warriors. On the throne, a middle-aged man in purple robes and a crystal crown stood, looking at them expectantly.
"Welcome, Heroes of Light," the King said, his voice echoing with magic.
Ren blinked. He had just been in his cramped boarding room, cursing his stagnant life. Now… he was standing before the king?
"We have summoned you from another world," the King continued, "to save our kingdom from darkness. The Demon King has risen. Only you, the Heroes of Light, can stop him."
The other four young men looked on in awe. One of them—with messy black hair and an athletic build—stepped forward. "If it is to save this world… I will do it."
"Your name, young man?" the King asked.
"Hiro," he replied confidently.
The King smiled in satisfaction. "You are full of spirit, Hiro. You will be paired with the Princess Knight, Alicia."
From beside the throne, a woman in tight armor, long blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes appeared. She looked at Hiro and smiled slightly.
Ren turned his head, holding back a snort. Of course someone like him would get the heroine right away.
The call continued.
"I am Akira," said the bespectacled young man, looking cold and calculating.
"You are a good fit, Grand Sorceress, Lady Selene," said the King.
A tall woman with silvery white hair and a piercing gaze appeared. She stared at Akira without emotion.
Next was a large young man, smiling broadly. "Daiki! Ready for battle!"
"The Healing Priestess, Maria, will be your companion."
Maria looked sweet in a long white dress and a gentle smile.
Lastly, a calm-faced young man with silvery hair. "My name is Rei. If this is the will of God, I will obey it."
"The Guardian of the Forest, a beautiful Elf named Eiryn, will be your guide."
A green-haired woman with pointed ears emerged from the shadows, carrying an aura of peace and mystery.
Ren waited. But there was no call. No partner. No heroine for him.
The King turned. "And you…?"
Ren held back his disappointment. "Ren."
"Ah. Ren…" The King looked hesitant. "Unfortunately… you were not listed in the prophecy. It seems you were brought in by accident."
All eyes were on him. Some were pitying. Some were… disdainful.
"But don't worry. We will find you a decent place to live and a decent job. You can live comfortably in the capital."
Ren clenched his fists. He said nothing, just lowered his head.
Beneath his blank expression, a wave of anger and humiliation boiled.
Not listed? Brought in by accident?
While the other heroes were being greeted like kings, he was being thrown away like useless baggage.
That night, in the small room provided for him on the outskirts of the palace, Ren stared up at the unfamiliar starry sky. His hands trembled, not from fear… but from a new burning desire.
He didn't need the prophecy. He didn't need the throne. He didn't need anyone's blessing.
All those heroines…
would be his.
Not because he was worthy—but because he would take them with his own hands.
The next day, Ren began to investigate. Secretly, he gathered information about the Heroes.
Hiro with his innocent honesty. Akira who believed too much in logic. Daiki who was childish. Rei who was too idealistic.
All of those were weaknesses, Ren thought.
He also observed the heroines.
Alicia, the Knight Princess, clearly respected strength. She needed someone who could challenge her, conquer her behind her noble facade.
Selene, the Great Witch, was cold and independent. But Ren knew, a woman like that only needed a little crack… and passion would flow in.
Maria, the Priestess… too pure. Too clean. But that was precisely the one who was most easily tarnished.
And Eiryn. An elf who loved nature and tranquility. But Ren saw her secretly staring at the human world with hidden curiosity.
They were not untouchable. It just took time. Needed… influence.
And Ren would be the sweet poison that slowly infiltrated their lives.
A few days passed.
The Heroes began special training, guided by the kingdom's generals. Meanwhile, Ren took a job as an assistant librarian at the Sacred Library—a place where many secrets of magic and history were kept.
He read day and night. About manipulation magic, secret contracts, and the art of seduction from ancient cultures.
He memorized it all.
Because to win… you must know how to play with desires.
Ren would not challenge the Heroes directly. Not now. He would infiltrate, deceive, and conquer from within.
Love? Loyalty? Prophecy?
It would all fall apart if you knew which buttons to press.
One night, Ren snuck into the royal garden.
He noticed that Selene often came there alone. Sure enough, tonight she was sitting under a large tree, reading in the moonlight.
Ren approached slowly. "The Great Mage should go to bed early. Aren't you afraid of being attacked by night creatures?"
Selene turned sharply. "Who are you?"
"Librarian. But… I prefer to call myself an observer."
"Annoying," she muttered.
Ren chuckled. "Just wondering… a mage like you must be lonely, huh? Surrounded by people who admire you, but no one who really understands you."
Selene's eyes narrowed. But Ren saw a slight crack in them.
"Don't get cocky just because you can read women," she said coldly.
"Of course not." Ren smirked. "But if you let someone in… maybe you wouldn't be so cold anymore."
He left before Selene could reply. Leaving a small seed in her mind.
The next night, it was Maria's turn.
Ren disguised himself as a chapel janitor, allowing himself to "accidentally" engage in conversation with the Priest.
He praised her innocence, admired her gentleness, touched her heart with stories of her "stranger's sorrow."
And Maria's eyes began to soften.
One by one, Ren built the foundation.
A sly smile spread across his face.
No prophecy could stop him.
Because desire… is a curse that even heroes cannot overcome.
And in the darkness of the night, a mysterious voice whispered in Ren's ear—a voice that was not his own.
"You are not just lost, Ren… You have been chosen by something far darker than the prophecies of the kings."