Rem woke to birdsong and the distant sound of farmers heading to the fields.
For a moment, she lay still on her makeshift bed of old sacks, staring at the wooden ceiling of the abandoned shed. Three days. three days since she arrived in this nightmare.
Then she noticed the difference.
Her body felt... warm. Not feverish, just aware. Like every nerve ending had been turned up slightly. She shifted, and the rough fabric of her clothes dragging across her skin sent a small pleasant shiver through her.
"Great," she muttered.
Rem sat up and checked her status mentally. LST: 10. The threshold Aria had mentioned.
She waited for the overwhelming urge, the desperate need that the goddess had warned about. Instead, what she got was... annoying background arousal. Like a persistent itch she couldn't quite scratch. Uncomfortable, distracting, but not debilitating.
Her thoughts drifted to lewd things more easily than before. When she adjusted her shirt, the brush of fabric against her nipples felt more intense than it should. Everything was just slightly more sensitive, slightly more good.
But she could still think. Could still function. it was not something major
"So this is it?" Rem stood, testing her body. "Not as bad as I thought! hah guess she was bluffing!"
Maybe Aria had been exaggerating to fuck with her. Or maybe this was just the beginning, and it would get worse at higher thresholds. Either way, she could deal with this right now, thats all that matter anyway.
She had bigger problems.
Rem pulled up her status fully:
[Name: Rem]
[Level: 1]
[Class: None]
[STATS ]
STR: 8
DEX: 12
END: 10
VIT: 10
CHA: 19
LST: 10
[ RESOURCES ]
HP: 100/100
SP: 100/100
[LP: 250]
Two hundred fifty Lust Points. Still two hundred fifty short of Basic Strike. The grind continued. was there even an end to this?
She needed to focus on getting stronger, not on whatever sexual bullshit the system wanted to throw at her. This world had actual dangers—monsters, bandits, unknow horrors. She couldn't afford to be weak.
Rem changed into the modest casual outfit she'd bought yesterday and stepped out into the morning sun.
The bakery was becoming routine. Elena looked up from her oven with a warm smile as Rem entered.
"Good morning, dear! You're looking better each day."
"Thanks, Elena." She was still not used to these kinds of compliments, but whatever
The baker pressed a still-warm roll into Rem's hands. "Eat, eat. You're too thin."
Rem bit into the bread, savoring the simple comfort of it, munching in delight "You're too generous."
"Nonsense. What's the point of baking if you can't share?" Elena wiped her hands on her apron. "Besides, I like having someone to chat with in the mornings. Gets lonely sometimes."
Elena's husband had died years ago, he was a hunter who used to regularly go out of the dome and hunt. One day, he didnt return, poor old elena was left alone, even her son had moved into the big city and joined the army, though she did not know if he was still alive or not.
They fell into easy conversation. Elena talked about the harvest season, the upcoming festival the town held every year, the little dramas of small-town life. It was almost normal. Almost like Rem wasn't trapped in a body she didn't want, being slowly but surely turned into something vile by a divine punishment.
"Oh, did you hear?" Elena leaned in conspiratorially. "That Lady Hartwell's daughter is staying at the inn. Elise, I think her name is. Very high-class, very particular about everything."
"I've seen her around," Rem said neutrally. pausing mid bite
"Beautiful girl, but cold as ice. Though I did see her arguing with young Kaisen yesterday." Elena's eyes sparkled with gossip. "I think he's taken with her. That boy's always had an eye for pretty girls and a face to back it up"
Rem barely suppressed an eye roll. "Good for him."
"You should meet him properly! He's such a sweet boy, grew up right here in town. Always helping people, very charming—"
"I'm good, thanks."
Elena laughed. "Well, if you change your mind. He's usually around the square in the mornings."
Great. The last thing Rem needed was the town matchmaker trying to set her up with the protagonist.
As she left the bakery, a notification appeared:
[Daily Quest: Social Fitness]
[Objective: Walk around town for 1 hour, interact naturally with people]
[Reward: 75 LP]
Simple enough. Rem accepted and started walking.
The farming city was peaceful in the morning light. Simple wooden buildings, cobblestone streets, the smell of earth and growing things. People greeted each other by name, waved to Rem as she passed. A tight-knit community where everyone knew everyone.
Which made her, the mysterious beautiful stranger, a subject of curiosity and gossip.
She saw him before he saw her.
Kaisen stood near the town square, talking to a small group of young women. They were giggling at something he'd said, faces flushed, clearly smitten. He was being charming in that easy, natural way—a smile here, a compliment there, just enough attention to keep them interested without committing to anything.
Rem watched from a distance, assessing.
Handsome, definitely. Dark hair, strong features, that confident posture. The kind of guy who knew exactly what he looked like and how to use it. But there was something in his eyes when he thought no one was watching. A sharpness. A calculation.
Not the pure innocent hero she might have expected. More... aware. Predatory, even.
He was her creation afterall, she knew too well how much of a fiend that guy can be. sure he was a little good, protective of his harem and all, but he was still the mc of a hentai project.
She turned to leave before he noticed her, but—
"Hey! You're the new girl, right?"
Too late.
Rem stopped, turned slowly. Kaisen had broken away from his admirers and was walking toward her. The young women looked disappointed, and more than a little jealous as they eyed Rem.
"Rem, wasn't it?" He stopped in front of her, offering that sweet charming smile. "I'm Kaisen, its nice to meet you"
Up close, her assessment didn't change. Handsome, yes. But there was something behind the friendly facade. The look of someone who knew what he wanted and how to get it.
"Nice to meet you too" Rem said, keeping her tone neutral and her elbows crossed.
"Welcome to town. If you need someone to show you around—"
"I'm good."
The smile flickered for just a moment. He clearly wasn't used to being cut off so quickly.
"Well, if you change your mind—"
"I won't."
Kaisen blinked. Then his smile changed—became more genuine, less practiced. "You're pretty direct."
"You go around swindling every girl here? gods how do they fall was such an unsightfull face?."
His eyebrows shot up. "unsightfull?"
Rem shrugged. "Yeah. unsightfull. You're alright, I guess but that wont cut it for everyone."
For a long moment, Kaisen just stared at her, trying to process this new dilemma. Then he laughed—actually laughed, amusement lighting up his face.
"Most people don't talk to me like that, its refreshing"
"Maybe most people should, i mean how do they even fall for a player like you?"
He sat down on the edge of the fountain without asking permission, still grinning. "You're interesting, Rem."
Rem sighed internally. Great. Now he was intrigued. This was exactly what she didn't need. she even insulted the bastard to shoo him off.
"Where are you from?" Kaisen asked, settling in like he planned to stay awhile.
"Outer zones. Refugee." she said without missing a beat
"What brought you here specifically?"
"Needed somewhere safe. This place seemed quiet."
"It is, Boring too." He leaned back, studying her. "You don't seem like someone who runs from things."
"Everyone runs from something."
"Fair point." His eyes were sharp, assessing. "So what are you planning to do here?"
"Figure things out. Stay out of trouble and let fate lead me"
Kaisen grinned. "Trouble has a way of finding people in this world."
There was an edge to his voice. Not threatening, but knowing. Like he'd seen things, done things that didn't match his charming boy-next-door image.
"You don't seem scared," he continued. "Most refugees are terrified when they first arrive."
"Its not like i had anything or anyone important in my previous life, all that is in the past anyway. can do shit about it" she scoffed
"That's either brave or stupid."
"Fuck you too ya bastard"
He laughed again. Rem got the sense he wasnt used to these kind of interaction often, since childhood, he was surrounded by girl swooning over him. But there were rarely any real bonds, just small crushes or girls going through puberty.
"I like you, Rem. You're different from—"
"Kaisen."
The voice was cold, imperious. They both turned.
Lady Elise Hartwell stood a few feet away, attendants hovering behind her. She was dressed in expensive traveling clothes, her posture rigid with barely contained irritation. And her eyes—her eyes were locked on Rem with poorly disguised hostility.
"Lady Hartwell." Kaisen stood, that charming smile sliding back into place, was he obnoxious or always this happy? "Lovely morning, isn't it?"
"Making friends with every woman in town?" Elise's voice was sharp.
"Just being welcoming. You remember what that's like?"
Elise's face flushed—anger or embarrassment, it was hard to tell but Her gaze flickered to Rem again. "And who is this?"
"Rem. New refugee. Nobody important," Rem said flatly. she wanted no buisness with them, elisa might seem weak now but soon she was going to become of of the most powerfull fire and ice mage on this planet, she did NOT! want enemies of her, especially not due to a damn misunderstanding.
Elise's eyes narrowed slightly. She clearly didn't like how comfortable Kaisen looked sitting next to another beautiful woman, one who was even more stunning than her at that.
"I see." Her tone suggested she saw quite a bit. "Well, I have business to attend to. Try not to cause trouble, Kaisen."
She swept away, attendants scurrying after her. But she glanced back once, and the look she gave Kaisen was complicated—anger, interest, jealousy all mixed together.
Classic tsundere.
"She's charming," Rem said dryly.
"She makes it easy." But there was heat in Kaisen's eyes when he mentioned Elise. Attraction, interest, the thrill of the chase.
Rem recognized it immediately. The protagonist pursuing his first harem member.
"You should probably go after her," Rem said, standing.
"Nah. Let her stew. More fun that way."
He stood too, stretching. "See you around, Rem. I meant what I said—you're interesting."
He walked off, and Rem watched him go with a mixture of irritation and resignation.
That was the protagonist. Charming, calculating, probably dangerous in ways that didn't show on the surface. The kind of guy who would fuck monster girls and human women with equal enthusiasm, build a massive harem, and somehow come out looking like a hero.
Every instinct told her to stay far, far away from him.
A notification appeared
[Social Fitness Quest Complete]
[Reward: 75 LP]
[total: 325 LP]
Still 175 short of Basic Strike, but progress.
Rem found a quiet corner of town to review her options. She pulled up the store mentally, scrolling through items.
Basic Strike: 500 LP. Still too expensive.
But other things...
short Sword: 100 LP
stone Dagger: 80 LP
Health Potion (Small): 50 LP
She could afford a weapon now. And if she was going to survive in a world with monsters and bandits, she needed one.
The bandit situation was escalating. She'd overheard farmers talking about suspicious people near the forest. Soon—probably in a day or two—they'd make their move on Elise. The attack Kaisen was supposed to stop.
Rem needed to be ready. Not to interfere, but to protect herself if things went sideways.
She made her purchases: short Sword for 100 LP, and two Small Health Potions for another 100 LP. Total: 200 LP spent.
Remaining: 125 LP.
The sword materialized in her inventory—simple iron blade, nothing fancy, but functional. She pulled it out, testing the weight, she did not have much faith in her non existent sword wielding skills.
It felt awkward in her hands. Too heavy, the balance wrong. Her body had different strength, different reach than she was used to. STR 8 wasn't much either.
She needed to practice.
Rem found an empty area on the outskirts of the residential zone, away from curious eyes. She spent the next hour swinging the sword, getting used to the weight and movement. She had seen many anime where this was the only things a protagonist did to get used to the blade, swing it hundreds of time.
It was harder than she'd expected. Her arms burned and her shoulders ached. The blade nearly slipped from her grip twice. But she kept at it, stubborn and determined.
By the end of the hour, she was slightly less terrible. she was nowhere near the skills to slay monsters and stuff But at least she could hold the thing without dropping it.
It would have to be enough. for now
The notification appeared in the late afternoon:
[Emergency Quest: Strange Reports.]
[Farmers report seeing suspicious people near the forest. Scout the area and report findings.]
[Reward: 150 LP]
[Danger: Low to Moderate]
Rem stared at it. This was it—the bandit camp. She knew they were out there because she'd written them there. But the system was offering LP for confirming it.
150 LP would put her at 275. Still short of Basic Strike, but closer.
And if she was being honest, she needed to know exactly what was happening. When the attack would come, how many bandits there were, what she'd be dealing with.
She accepted the quest.
The dome barrier had a gate for farmers who needed to tend fields or gather resources outside. The guards barely glanced at Rem as she walked through. to them, she was just another person going about their business.
The moment she stepped beyond the barrier though, the world felt different.
Wilder. More dangerous. The dome had been a bubble of safety, protecting her from the real threats of this world, but she was not unprotected. the feeling of a sword hanging over her head was constant, it sucked.
Rem drew her sword with shaky hands, moving carefully into the forest. Every sound made her heart race—rustling leaves, distant animal calls, the crack of branches. This was real danger, unlike kaiser, she had no plot armor. She was infact sure that the damm goddess would do everything possible to make her even more miserable.
She followed the general direction the farmers usually took, moving slowly through the underbrush. After twenty minutes, she smelled smoke.
Rem crept forward until she could see them through the trees and tall grass.
It was a rough camp. Eight to ten men, all armed. They were bandits—weathered, scarred, dangerous. Not desperate refugees. Organized criminals. she shivered
She hid behind a thick tree, close enough to hear their conversation.
"The Hartwell girl is the perfect target," the leader said. He was a big man with a jagged scar across his face, a little bit of both fat and muscle. "She is from a rich family and her mother is the real deal. They'll pay a fortune to get her back."
"When do we move?" another asked.
"Day after tomorrow. She's planning to inspect the southern farms—I got that from the servant I bribed. We hit her on the road, quickly grab her and disappear into the forest."
"What about guards?"
"Kill anyone who resists. We're not here to play nice, what can these weaklings do anyway?."
Rem's stomach tightened. These bastards.
She knew how it played out in her original story. The bandits would attack Elise's small escort. Kaisen would be nearby by coincidence, would jump in to save her. He'd fight off the bandits through a combination of his newly awakened system powers and natural talent. Elise would be impressed despite herself and the first crack in her tsundere armor would appear.
But she also knew people died in that attack. Guards, attendants. Collateral damage for the protagonist's hero moment.
Should she warn someone? The city guards? Kaisen? Elise herself?
But if she did, the attack might not happen. Kaisen wouldn't get his moment. The story would derail before in could start.
And more practically—how would she explain how she knew? "I scouted a bandit camp alone with a sword I barely know how to use? how do i have a sword and where it went? oh i have a magical system so its stored in my inventory!"?
Yeah, that would go over great, better to turn back, but just as she started to retreat, a branch snapped under Rem's foot. fuck
"What was that?" One of the bandits turned, eyes scanning the trees.
Rem froze, pressing herself against the tree.
"Probably an animal."
"Go check."
Two bandits stoodup, drawing weapons, and started moving toward her position.
Rem decided to book it
She crashed through the underbrush, branches whipping at her face. Behind her, shouts as the bandits gave chase.
"Someone's spying on us! After them!"
Her heart pounded. This was stupid, so fucking stupid. She should never have come out here alone—
A bandit burst out in front of her, cutting off her escape. Another came from behind. She was cornered against a rocky outcrop. She let out a shrill scream which she was not much proud of.
"Well, what do we have here?" The first one grinned, showing missing teeth. "Pretty little thing, wandering around alone. That's dangerous."
Rem raised her sword with shaking hands. "St....stay back!"
The first bandit lunged without warning, she was barely able to react in time.
Rem swung wildly—no technique, or form, just pure panic and by pure luck, her blade connected with his arm. He yelled in pain, stumbling back as blood flowed from the gash.
"Bitch!"
The second bandit attacked from her other side. Rem tried to turn but lost her footing and fell hard on her ass. His blade swung down toward her head—
She rolled aside at the last second. The sword hit rock with a shower of sparks.
Rem scrambled to her feet and swung again. The blade caught his leg—it was not deep, but painful enough to make him curse and hop back.
Both bandits were bleeding now, glaring at her with hatred.
"Crazy bitch, she isn't worth it," the first one growled. "Let her go, we will deal with her later"
The two backed off, leaving her on the ground, tired and sweaty.
Rem was gasping for breath the sword still raised despite the awkward position. Her whole body shook from adrenaline.
Holy shit. Holy shit, she'd actually done that!
She ran back, as fast as she could until she crashed through the dome barrier and collapsed on the safe side, panting and trembling.
She'd won through pure dumb luck. If they'd been serious, if they'd pressed the attack, she'd be dead! none the less, she completed her first combat quest!.
[Emergency Quest Complete]
[Rewards: 150 LP]
Rem made it back to her shed as evening fell. She cleaned the blood off her sword with shaking hands, the reality of what had just happened settling in.
And she'd learned something important: She knew about the bandit attack now. Day after tomorrow at The southern farms.
Should she warn someone?
If she did, the attack might be prevented and some lives might be saved—guards, attendants, innocent people.
But Kaisen wouldn't get his hero moment. Elise wouldn't fall for him. The story she'd written would derail completely.
And if she tried to explain how she knew, she'd have to reveal things about herself she couldn't afford to reveal.
"Not my problem," Rem muttered to herself. "Let the protagonist handle it. That's what he's there for."
But the guilt gnawed at her anyway.
She checked her status. LST still at 10. The background arousal was still there, but manageable. Maybe the adrenaline had burned some of it off, or maybe her body was adjusting.
Either way, she could function.
[Social Challenge: Spend time with someone who has romantic interest in you]
[Duration: 30 minutes]
[Reward: 100 LP]
An image flashed in the notification—Kaisen's face.
"Oh fuck no. Absolutely not!" no way she was going to spend another minute with that guy.
But 100 LP...
"Goddammit."
She collapsed to the floor too exhausted to think of something for now, there was always tomorrow anyway.