LOGINI bit my lip, withdrawing a little, awkwardly tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Zale cleared his throat, the sound loud and jarring, and my cheeks turned all red. [DING] Side mission complete, host. "Where's my reward?" I didn't mention a reward, host. There was only a penalty. I rolled my eyes, blood boiling hot. This system was getting on my nerves. The remaining distance back to the Goldmane tribe was quiet. I stepped down from the carriage, my robe flowing behind me. "She's back," the whispers from the villagers began. Several people stopped, while some just cast side glances and kept doing their work. A woman burst through the crowd, falling on my legs, sobbing. "Serena, please give me back my daughter. I will be your slave, anything, but please just return my daughter," her shoulders kept trembling with each high-pitched sob, her voice sounding broken. --- "Mama!" Calissi called, jumping down from the carriage and running to her mother. The woman's bod
HIDDEN ROUTE UNLOCK PLOT DEVIATION DETECTED SYSTEM CHANGES ACTIVATED My vision had turned blurry from the pain, but I struggled hard to keep my consciousness. My body left the moist soil with a gentle lift. Zale ran through the forest with me in his arms like I weighed nothing. He kept increasing his pace till the dark environment faded away, bringing us to light. My eyes immediately snapped shut as moonlight poured in, in dense rays. Warm hands touched my waist and shoulder, keeping me balanced as I was moved from Zale's hands to the second person's hands. I could hear shuffling of feet, each moving in hurried paces. My cold, pale body landed on a feathered bed, soft and warm. I instantly wanted to coil, but a piercing pain shot from my thigh to my arm and up, reminding me of my current wounded state. --- The maids kept moving in and out of the room, each carrying a bowl containing different tools. My wound was cleaned and wrapped with pieces containing medicinal herbs.
Risk of Death: HighI tried standing up, but my bones felt too heavy to lift. Deep down, I didn't want to go.Penalty: Unknown.Yet again, if I didn't go, I'd still die. If I go, I might die.Going was the best option, but I still hesitated.Finally, I stood up, gently tucking Calissi in, planting a kiss on her forehead before leaving.The cool night air brushed against my skin, the tiny hairs on my skin all standing alert.The paths were empty, like no one had been here.Only the steady breathing of the mares and the gentle blowing of the wind could be heard.I took a step forward, then another.Following the only path I recognized, I reached the centre of the hut.The wind kept blowing in abnormally different directions.I tiptoed to the open entrance of the hut that was only shielded by cottons,walking carefully, not to misstep and make a sound."Serena."Someone called from behind me.I froze. I could hear my heart beating loudly, and the strain on my chest grew heavier.The wind
"Come here," his baritone voice sounded, and my body trembled.I turned my head away first, my fingers fidgeting with each other.Two masculine figures walked to my side, pulling my hands apart and dragging me forward.I could hear Elara's soft gasp from behind.My knees scrubbed the ground painfully, and my hands fell to my sides after their painful grip was released.My head remained down.My skin felt too sensitive from the various piercing gazes directed at me."Serena Goldmane of the Goldmane tribe," he called, and my head snapped up, locking eyes with him.Gasps rippled through the crowd, and several beastkin took a step back."You are bold. Still bold. You never change, do you?" he asked, and I tilted my head, my brows creasing together.Slowly, I rose from the ground, dusting my robe.If he called my name, it means he knows me, or rather, the original Serena.So you are a fake host! I never knew,You daughter of a bitch, I cursed at the system mentally."I never asked—" he sai
My skin burned as I instinctively jumped out, wood cracking beneath my feet.Everyone shifted back."Wasn't she supposed to be dead?" a woman whispered, shifting back."Ghost, ghost!" another yelled, running away.Riven turned to Reyn, the guilt that had been on his face suddenly turning into a questioning look.Even Reyn himself looked confused."Sister Serena," a tiny voice yelled.When I turned, I saw Calissi being held by her mother, her face filled with tears."Tsk," I scoffed, walking far away from the fire."What are you all staring at?" I yelled.I looked around. Someone was missing.Elara."Where is Elara?" I asked.Some glared at me, some still stood frozen, while others looked towards the direction of the river.Behind me, I could hear Riven and Reyn bickering."Don't give me that look, Riven. You were the one who suggested she was dead," Reyn muttered."And you were the one who suggested a befitting burial," Riven countered back.So it was those damn brothers. I will deal
I opened my eyes a little and I could feel a soft, furry warm body around me.Orange furs surrounded me, and that was the last thing I saw before the countdown ended.My body went limp, and I could no longer feel myself.When I opened my eyes again, I was in a void space.Endless dark clouds.System bond severed.Host deceased.Then silence again. I walked around, but I kept returning to the same place over and over again. My legs eventually grew tired,The endless clouds never changed.No matter which direction I chose...I always returned to the same place.The memories of my past life were displayed on the clouds, each carrying both sad and happy moments.My high school graduationEating with my best friend Reading the novels and lashing out because the female lead is too weak,laughing with my ridiculously stupid friends"Serena..."My name echoed again and again in the void.Time froze, and the only picture shown was me lying on the stairs, blood pooling below my head and a boo







