Baron had one simple goal today: survive.
But the world had other plans. Plans involving magical blizzards, misleading rituals, and an attractive demon sorceress with zero understanding of personal space.
The Frost Temple loomed like a frozen cathedral torn from a nightmare—sharp spires of obsidian ice, blue flame torches flickering in the wind, and an ancient gate that growled every few minutes. Literally growled.
"This is the bonding trial?" Baron asked, clutching his coat tighter as the chill seeped through. "It looks like a refrigerator for dead people."
"It's tradition," said Lilia, brushing a snowflake off her glaive. "And a rite of soul compatibility."
"Sounds like marriage counseling with extra steps."
Selen giggled. "You have no idea how accurate that is."
Even Roka, the usually chill beastkin girl, looked nervous. Her bushy tail was puffed out to twice its size. "I smell… cold magic. Ancient. Feral. And definitely cursed."
Baron's breath fogged the air. His fingers were already going numb. Why had he agreed to this again?
Oh right. Because "Trial Completion" awarded a Blessing of Soul Fire, and that was apparently the only way to unlock the next realm.
He was going to sue this fantasy world for emotional damage.
❄️ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
🔹 You Have Entered: Trial of Union
Objective: Bond with a compatible partner to withstand the frost
⚠️ Side Effects May Include:
Emotional entanglement
Spontaneous soul merging
Accidental engagements
Proceed with intimacy caution.
Baron froze (figuratively and literally).
"Did it just say accidental engagements?!"
Nyxa, the smug demon sorceress in a black corset that absolutely wasn't frost-appropriate, sidled up next to him. "Well, well. Looks like we need to get cozy."
"I'm not getting married in an icebox," Baron muttered.
"Too late," Aria said from behind, not amused. "We have to split into pairs. And once you enter a chamber, you can't come out until the bond is complete."
"Define bond," Baron said.
"Usually physical. Possibly spiritual," Selen whispered. "Sometimes… both."
Nyxa smirked. "Called it."
Before Baron could protest, Nyxa had grabbed his wrist and yanked him into one of the glowing archways. The door slammed behind them, sealing shut with an audible schlick of ice magic.
🧊 ISOLATED CHAMBER DETECTED
Room Temperature: -23°C
Initiating Soul Synchronization
Requirement: Proximity Contact
Baron rubbed his arms. "Okay, let's just stay close, share heat, maybe chant a prayer and be done—"
Nyxa removed her cloak.
Underneath, she was wearing… very little.
"What the HELL, Nyxa?!"
"It's cold. You warm. Logic."
"That's not logic! That's a visual assault!"
She leaned close. "You blushing?"
"No. That's frostbite."
The runes on the floor flared with light. Suddenly a glowing magic circle appeared beneath them. A spectral voice echoed:
💍 SACRED VOW PROTOCOL ENGAGED
❄️ Step 1: Declare Trust
🔥 Step 2: Share Heat
💋 Step 3: Seal the Bond with a Kiss
Baron's soul left his body.
"This is a dating sim! This is literally a dating sim boss fight!"
Nyxa raised an eyebrow. "You wanna freeze to death or get a little closer?"
Before he could argue, she pressed herself against him.
Warmth. Scent. Heartbeats. Danger.
"Fine," Baron whispered. "But this is survival, not romance."
"Whatever helps you sleep, husband."
"I'M NOT YOUR—!"
ZAP.
The kiss was brief. Just a touch. Just enough.
The sigil exploded with light. Warmth surged through his veins. A strange mark burned into his palm.
🔔 SYSTEM UPDATE
Soul Link Established
Passive Skill: Heatshare Lv. 1
Active Skill: Flame Sync (Locked)
Side Effect: Shared Dreams Enabled
Bond Status: ❄️ Married (Ceremonial)
Baron staggered back. "I did not consent to magical marriage!"
Nyxa smiled like a cat who just ate your fate. "You're warm. I'm cold. Now we're linked. Deal with it."
Meanwhile…
In the main chamber, the others waited awkwardly.
"…They've been in there too long," Aria said.
"Should we check on them?" Lilia offered.
Selen tilted her head. "Soul Bonds can get… intense."
Then the doors slammed open.
Baron stumbled out, hair singed, lips slightly glowing, shirt half-unbuttoned.
Nyxa followed, humming softly.
"WHAT HAPPENED?" Aria demanded.
"Nothing!" Baron yelled.
"She's mine now," Nyxa added.
💥 HAREM SHOCKWAVE DETECTED
Aria: Fury Level 88%
Lilia: Denial
Roka: Tail-wag curiosity
Selen: Secretly betting on when Baron snaps
Baron raised his hands. "Look, I didn't want to get soul married, okay?! It was the system!"
Aria stepped forward. "Did you kiss her?"
"I—it was—YES, BUT—"
Lilia turned away dramatically.
Roka sniffed him. "He smells like… her."
Nyxa tossed him a wink.
"THIS ISN'T MY FAULT," Baron yelled at the ceiling. "Why is everything in this world solved by intimacy?!"
That night, their camp was quiet.
Too quiet.
Every girl gave him the cold shoulder… except Nyxa, who literally dragged her blanket next to his and smirked like the devil she half-was.
"Want to 'warm up' again?" she whispered.
Baron curled tighter into his sleeping bag and whispered to the stars:
"I just wanted to finish a quest. Not become a husband in five realms."
❤️ END OF CHAPTER 5
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