Chapter 9: The Demon Princess’s Game

The moment Song Ze saw the black-haired youth—his other conquest target, the demon princess Andreya—he froze entirely.

“???”

He looked down to find a corpse entwined with black mist lying on the ground. Without a doubt, it was the High Priest who had been sent to investigate the situation just yesterday. Other bodies lay in similarly gruesome states throughout the room.

Song Ze: “Ew—”

Although the High Priest had at least level 60 strength, he stood no chance against the demon princess.

Why did the plot turn out like this? It wasn’t in the game at all!

Could it be that because he had run away earlier to avoid the plot, things had ended up like this?

Song Ze didn’t even think. He turned to leave, but when his hand touched the door, he found it sealed by some mysterious force. There was no way he could open it with his abilities.

So it had come to this… In a horror-plot scenario like this, there was no way he could escape!

Just then, an icy hand landed on his shoulder. Song Ze’s body stiffened. Whether it was his imagination or not, his senses seemed sharper than usual. For the first time, he regretted wearing only a single layer—it was much too thin.

Cold breath brushed against his neck. A strange sensation surged into his mind, and his body shuddered.

“Hehe, are you that scared of me?” The voice came from behind, tinged with a hint of grievance. “But I really like you, Brother Song Ze?”

Hearing his name called out like that, Song Ze’s heart nearly stopped. He spun around in terror, staring warily at the person before him. At that moment, the patterns on the back of his hand blazed brightly, and a searing heat erupted. His strength abruptly drained away, and he collapsed to the ground.

“Ah—” Song Ze couldn’t help but cry out in pain. When he looked up again, he scrambled backward in fear, pressing himself against the door, his face pale as death. “So… it was all your doing…”

No wonder he had suddenly contracted demonic energy. He hadn’t taken any serious damage along the way—it had all been the demon princess’s doing!

He had no connection with the demon princess right now! Her affection must be zero. And given her capricious nature, she could be laughing one moment and killing him the next. It was entirely possible.

Even in the game, when their affection was maxed out, she would suddenly turn dark.

“Because Brother Song Ze runs so fast, if I didn’t leave a mark on you, how would I find you again?” The black-haired youth lowered his head and reached out a finger toward Song Ze’s cheek.

Song Ze squeezed his eyes shut in terror. Then he felt a slightly cool finger brush his tousled hair back from his forehead.

“Th-thank you,” Song Ze said instinctively, opening his eyes to find himself face-to-face with crimson irises. He jerked his head back, only to smack it against the solid wooden door. The impact brought tears to his eyes.

“Why are you so scared?” The black-haired youth looked confused. “I haven’t done anything, you know. Or perhaps… you want me to do something? Hmm?”

Song Ze shook his head frantically, forcing himself to speak. “I-I’m not scared at all!”

According to the lore, demons could clearly sense human fear or dread, treating such emotions like fine cuisine. That would make them even more eager to kill the humans and claim their souls. Often, those seemingly tender gazes from demons were actually directed at their food!

Song Ze knew his denial was useless, but if he didn’t say it, who knew what Andreya would do?

He had thought that setting was interesting when playing the game, but facing it in reality made him feel completely screwed.

The black-haired youth spoke softly. “Oh?”

Even though he was terrified—his eyes red-rimmed and tearful, his body trembling uncontrollably—he still managed to say that.

How adorable…?

It made one want to toy with him, to make him show an even more frightened expression. That would definitely be interesting.

The black-haired youth flashed the same harmless smile as always. As if to give Song Ze some space, she stepped back instead of continuing to press forward.

Song Ze struggled to his feet, using the door for support, his gaze still wary. Even if he died, he could just reload!

Then he realized the door behind him was no longer stuck—it had opened just a crack!

Could it be that someone from the temple had arrived, suppressing Andreya’s magic within the camp?

Whatever the reason, Song Ze seized the opportunity. He pushed the door open and bolted out without looking back.

…

The first thing he felt was light.

Blindingly bright, forcing Song Ze to close his eyes.

When he opened them again, he found himself surrounded by towering trees, a sapphire-like lake before him, and sunlight pouring down from above.

At first glance, it looked like an ordinary forest, but thick demonic energy swirled around, creating an intense sense of unease. Vast shadows kept surfacing in the lake—powerful magical beasts lurking in the water.

Without a doubt, he was now in the Dark Forest.

Song Ze: “…”

Song Ze: “…!!!”

This was the demon princess’s teleportation skill from the game—a short-range teleport to a place she had visited before.

Since when could Andreya’s teleport also carry others?!

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” The voice he dreaded sounded again. “You wanted to run, didn’t you? Go ahead, you can run now.”

“Anywhere around here, I won’t chase you.”

Song Ze hesitated. That offer was far too tempting!

As if reminded of something, the youth smiled. “But there seem to be plenty of powerful magical beasts around here. If you run into them, you’d probably die.”

“Think it over.” The black-haired youth added, “But if you agree to be my pet, I can keep you safe. When everything’s over, I might even let you go.”

He’d be a fool to trust a demon’s words!

In these situations, the inevitable outcome was being toyed with and then eaten!

Song Ze: “…” Da-damn it! He had left Aliel’s storage ring in the tent!

He couldn’t bring himself to take the token of love after dumping the other person. If only he had known things would turn out this badly, he would have brought it with him!

[The surrounding magical beasts are around level 50. Also, due to the intensified demonic energy, they’re all enraged, so their actual strength is about 10 levels higher.]

Song Ze: “…” Running away would definitely mean death!

[Main Quest Triggered: Explore the depths of the Dark Forest and find the temple ruins.]

Song Ze: “Hmm…”

This was the game’s plot. The protagonist was weak early on, so the only way to grow was through scripted power-ups. After encountering the demon princess, they’d end up exploring the ruins together, boosting their affection significantly (easier said than done—one wrong move would lead to a bad ending).

At the same time, the protagonist would receive a legacy from a long-lost god and learn of three other legacies scattered across the world. Gathering all four would instantly level him up to 99. It was as casual as those “click and receive a legendary weapon” browser games.

He thought he had avoided it by running away, but the plot had forcefully pulled him back! Was this the irresistible force of narrative? Still, he could choose not to raise affection…

[Then, raise the demon princess’s affection to 50.]

Song Ze: “Huh??”

[Don’t worry, it’s a side quest. You can skip it!]

Song Ze: Boohoo—System, you’re such a good person!

“At least Andreya is a girl!” Song Ze thought, sneaking a glance at the black-haired youth.

Aliel had been off from the start! Even if he were cross-dressing, he was too tall. He should have realized Aliel was male!

Andreya, in the game, was a childlike beauty. Now she was about his height. This time, the gender shouldn’t be wrong!

But… Rather than wooing this psychotic yandere girl, he’d rather have a gay relationship with Aliel! The shadow of a yandere was terrifying!

[Affection score with the target starts at 15.]

Song Ze: “??” Why was there even an affection score!

[Probably because the host is cute. (Maybe?)]

“Why ‘maybe’?!”

Song Ze felt it was because his earlier fearful demeanor had amused the fickle demon! She probably treated him like food.

In the game, the demon princess had an unpredictable, yandere personality; ordinary actions couldn’t move her. But since she dwelled in darkness, she actually admired brave, fearless, righteous people. And the protagonist had displayed his strength in the ruins, winning her heart.

Song Ze: “…”

Song Ze: “…”

No problem. He absolutely would not show any bravery, fearlessness, or righteousness!

And if he remembered correctly, there was a teleportation array in the ruins. Using his golden finger from the game, he could escape through it and shake off the demon princess!

“Well?” The black-haired youth looked over, showing no impatience. After all, watching this cute creature’s ever-changing expressions was far too entertaining. “Have you decided?”

[Affection score +1, current score 16.]

Song Ze: “??” Why did it go up?? Was it because his long hesitation made him seem especially righteous?!

Then Song Ze quickly spoke up. “I’m willing! Very willing! I like you so much, I’d love to become your pet right now!”

As he said this, he trotted over and bravely took her hand.

It was utterly sycophantic, but coming from a beautiful youth like Song Ze, it was pleasing to the eye. His tone sounded sincere, and his azure blue eyes sparkled.

…These were skills he had honed while wooing Aliel.

****

Back in the camp.

Aliel’s figure hurried back. He was clearly in a good mood, the usual arrogance in his brow softening, startling passersby who wondered what good news had occurred.

He had convinced the elders faster than expected, and everyone had agreed to hold the life-sharing ceremony. Once he brought Song Ze back, they could marry directly.

As for Song Ze’s family, Aliel didn’t care. Everyone knew Song Ze was adopted and had a poor relationship with the duke’s only heir. They probably wouldn’t mind Song Ze’s affairs, perhaps even considering him a burden.

That heir was a remarkably capable male, young yet with deep cunning and skill—a world apart from Song Ze.

Song Ze was so naive. Aliel’s eyes softened at the corners. At least now, he would cherish Song Ze.

With this thought, Aliel lifted the tent flap, only to find no one inside. On the table lay a ring and a letter.

Could he be shy? Was this a love letter?

Aliel smiled, reaching for the letter. As he was about to open it, a commotion erupted outside.

“What’s going on?”

Aliel initially wanted to ignore it, but worrying about Song Ze made him restless. He quickly tucked the letter and ring into his storage necklace and stepped out.

“The High Priest is dead!”

“Killed by a demon. The place is filled with demonic energy…”

“What? Demons? Aren’t they a legend? How?”

After the High Priest’s body was discovered, the ordinary students panicked. The other temple priests, feeling deeply insulted, ordered the body to be properly handled and began investigating the surroundings.

“So the prophecy was true. Demons have reappeared…”

“And they’re so blatant. Terrifying.”

Whispers spread. Aliel’s expression changed, and he strode forward. Not seeing any familiar faces among the corpses, he sighed in relief.

“Come to think of it, I saw Song Ze go in to see the High Priest earlier. Did he make it out? But he’s nowhere to be seen,” someone suddenly remarked.

“What?” Aliel’s face darkened instantly, his gaze cold. “What did you just say? Say it again.”

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