Rem looked down at herself—naked, blood-stained clothes crumpled where she'd thrown them. Her only clean outfit sat in the inventory, the sexy ensemble from that first quest. A crop top that barely qualified as clothing, and shorts that showed everything.
"Give me a fucking minute!"
She pulled up her interface while scrambling for the outfit, each piece of revealing fabric materializing with a weight that felt heavier than it should. The crop top clung to curves she still wasn't used to having, the shorts rode up so high they were practically underwear.
"I hate this body," she muttered, tugging uselessly at the hem. "I hate that goddess. I hate every single thing about this situation."
Deep breath's yes, deep breath's. She opened the door
Kaisen's reaction was immediate—eyes wide, face flushing red faster than seemed physically possible. He tried looking away, failed and tried again with only marginal improvement. His mouth opened, closed, opened again like a fish drowning in air.
Elise's expression cycled through at least six emotions in a few seconds before settling on something between annoyed propriety and reluctant appreciation. "Is this what you normally wear?"
"My other clothes have blood on them." Rem crossed her arms, which helped approximately nothing. "This is all I have."
Kaisen managed to produce actual words: "We should... you... inside?"
"Are we having this conversation in the doorway?"
They filed into her shed, which immediately felt three times smaller. Kaisen decided to study the walls with desperate intensity while Elise maintained perfect posture near the door, though her eyes kept catching on exposed skin.
"So," Rem said, leaning against the wall, since her bed was occupied by Kaisen's failed attempt at not staring. "What's so important it couldn't wait till tomorrow?"
Elise took a breath, straightening further. "I have a proposition."
The formal tone was armor against awkwardness, pushing through discomfort with pure willpower. she was trying real hard to say whatever this was.
"Today I awakened my magic." Frost formed briefly around her fingertips before she dispelled it. "Ice manipulation. It changes everything."
Kaisen finally focused on something other than Rem's outfit. "You can control it?"
"Barely." She whispered "It's wild. I need proper training."
"Get a teacher here then," Rem suggested, playing ignorant despite knowing exactly where this led. Please no.
"Not possible." Elise's jaw tightened. "My mother is a powerful mage in the capital. She can train me, she must train me, but more importantly..." She hesitated. "She can protect me."
"From what?"
"Today's ambush wasn't random." The words came clipped, gaurded. "Those bandits were hired. My family has enemies who'd rather see us weakened. Or destroyed and im sorry for dragging this small city into it."
Rem kept her expression neutral while her mind filled in all the details she'd written—every political machination, every assassination attempt, every power struggle waiting in the capital. This was Kaisen's moment to step up, his call to adventure.
"The normal routes aren't safe anymore," Elise continued. "I could be ambushed at any time, and my guards are only loyal to my money, not me. So i need a different path."
"More dangerous," Rem ended for her.
"Much more." Elise met her eyes. "Which is why I people I can trust." She turned to Kaisen first. "You saved my life today, you didn't hesitate, didn't ask for payment. Just fought because i was in danger, your kind and considerate too.."
Kaisen's face flushed with something between pride and embarrassment. he rubbed his nose in an attempt to look un bothered.
Elise faced Rem, her expression complicated. "You also saved my life, you could have stayed hidden and let events unfold. But you didn't."
"Seemed stupid to just watch." Rem shrugged
"Regardless." Elise's voice softened slightly. "I want to hire both of you as personal guards for the journey to the capital." She bowed slightly
The offer hung heavy between them. Rem understood the implications better than either of them—this was THE journey, the one where Kaisen would meet many future harem members, forge political connections, take his first real steps toward power. She wasn't supposed to be part of this. She was supposed to watch from the sidelines damn it!!
"I'm in," Kaisen replied immediately. "When do we leave?"
"Three days." Elise's reaction was minimal, she had expected kaisen to accept but Rem was a different case entirely. she shifted her gaze to Rem. "I need time to prepare, arrange supplies, make certain people believe I'm taking the normal route."
Rem's mind raced. Refusing meant staying in this backwater city with no resources, no way forward except the quests. But accepting meant inserting herself into the protagonist's story, potentially derailing everything she'd plotted and maybe getting even more quests.
"What's the payment?" She finally asked.
Elise named a number that made Kaisen's eyes widen. "Plus equipment, supplies, anything you need. When we reach the capital, I'll introduce you to my mother. The Countess has resources. Connections. Training opportunities, anything you want."
Everything Rem needed. But the cost would be constant exposure to harem dynamics, to situations designed for Kaisen's growth rather than hers.
"I need to think about it."
Elise's expression flickered with something like dissapointment "You have three days. We leave on the morning of the fourth, with or without you." and yet her tone suggested she was happy.
Kaisen looked between them. "It'll be good rem!! This is the opportunity i was talking about, Adventures, monsters and seeing new places together!!"
Adventure, sure it was actually watching him collect women. Being a side character in someone else's story.... or worse, Fantastic.
"I said I'll think about it, i am not sure for now!!" She puffed her cheeks without even noticing it.
Elise nodded though. "The journey takes three weeks if we maintain pace. We'll travel through dangerous territory—White ash Forest has high monster density, and the Crimson Wastes are controlled by bandit clans who won't be as easy as today's group."
She was laying out stakes, making sure Rem understood that Death was very possible, probably more than Elise realized since she didn't know all the specific encounters plotted for this arc.
"It won't just be you two," Elise added. "One of my attendants, someone I trust completely will also be joining us, a small party size is essential for remaining low, plus he is a healer"
"All right that sounds like a goo-" kaizen started.
"If Rem agrees," Elise interjected. "Otherwise it's three of us."
Three people through all that danger. Even with Kaisen's plot armor, the odds weren't great. They needed a fourth. well they did not but the odds will be much better with her in the equation. But completely off the plot.
Rem knew she'd say yes—had known from the moment Elise made the offer. But accepting immediately felt wrong, like surrendering too easily. She also liked to tease a little.
"Three days," she said firmly. "I'll give you my answer then."
Elise studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Come to the inn when you've decided."
She moved toward the door but paused. "And Rem? Get proper clothes. Those are..." Her gaze swept across the revealing outfit. "Distracting."
Kaisen was following suite but lingered, shifting awkwardly.
"You should come," he said quietly. "We make a good team. Today proved that."
"Maybe." Her eyes met his. "I'll think about it."
"That's all I'm asking." He smiled slightly. "Get some rest."
He left, pulling the door closed with a quiet click.
She was finally alone.
Rem stood in her small shed trying to process. She pulled off the revealing outfit with disgust radiating through every movement, seeing Kaisen struggle not to stare, watching Elise's complicated reactions—all of it made her want to punch something.
She needed actual clothes.
The thought barely formed in her mind before the temperature dropped sharply, her breath misting. The air shimmered with divine presence as reality itself bent and Aria materializing on her bed with casual grace.
"Look at my little project!" the goddess purred. "Making such interesting choices."
"Get out."
"That's no way to greet the goddess who gave you such a wonderful body." Aria's eyes traveled over Rem's nakedness. "Though I appreciate you greeting me properly~"
Rem grabbed the discarded outfit, holding it up more from spite than modesty. "What do you want?"
"Just checking in." Aria sat up, crossing her legs. "Five days in my world— and you already killed monsters, saved the female lead and even intervened in major plots." She counted mockingly. "You're adapting beautifully my darling."
"Adapting to torture isn't worth celebrating." She spat
"But it is!" Aria clapped. "Know what I noticed during this time?"
Rem's stomach sank.
"You didn't think about your body at all," Aria continued. "your changing, a lot in fact. not only do you feel guilty now" She leaned forward. "You're already getting comfortable in this body, darling. Starting to forget what you used to be~"
The words hit hard because they were true. During the fight, she hadn't felt dysphoric, just focused and Her body had responded naturally.
"Fuck you." She managed to mutter.
"Maybe later." Aria waved dismissively. "Right now, we discuss this lovely journey you're about to take."
"I haven't decided—"
"Please." Aria laughed. "You're going. We both know it. The question is whether you'll be properly prepared."
A notification bloomed:
[Main QUEST: Preparation for Journey]
[This is a MULTI-PART quest spanning several days]
"Here's how this works," Aria said, circling her like a predator. "Three days before your journey. I'm giving you a special quest to ensure you're... properly equipped."
[PART 1 - Public Display:]
[Objective: Purchase White Silk Kimono (100 LP)]
[Wear kimono in public for minimum 3 hours total]
[Visit: Market, Tavern, Town Square]
[Receive at least 15 compliments about appearance]
[SPECIAL: Show Kaisen - his reaction must be visible]
Aria waved her hand. The white kimono materialized frim ethereal light—pure silk catching candlelight, traditional cut but modified. The fabric would cling, it would be semi-transparent when light hit right, showing glimpses through expensive the material.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Aria purred. "You'll look like an exotic princess."
[PART 2 - Combat Assessment:]
[Objective: Purchase Adventurer's Allure outfit (150 LP)]
[Wear outfit while sparring with Kaisen or Elise for minimum 1 hour]
[Fight must be intense enough to cause visible exertion/sweat]
[Allow Them to pin you at least once]
The second outfit appeared—form-fitting adventurer gear it looked functional yet flattering. A crop top showing midriff, fitted with pants hugging her curves, bracers, belt, boots. It was the generic anime cosplay aesthetic, cute while being hot enough to draw stares.
"This one's my favorite," Aria admitted. "Watching you spar dressed like that? Delicious~"
[SPECIAL OBJECTIVES (Optional):]
[If someone's hands "slip" or "accidentally" touch during either phase: +100 LP]
[If Kaisen or anyone makes suggestive comments, respond flirtatiously: +50 LP]
[TOTAL REWARDS:]
[400 LP]
[+2 STR, +2 DEX, +3 END]
[Seduction Basics (Passive Skill)]
[Travel Combat Set - Actual protective gear]
[PENALTY FOR REFUSAL:]
[-10 CHA]
[LST increases to 15]
[No proper travel equipment]
Rem stared at thee system. The rewards were substantial—her stat increases, which she desperately needed, she got combat gear essential for her survival. But the cost would be public humiliation in that revealing kimono, sparring while wearing something designed to show off her body.
"What's LST at 15 mean?"
Aria's smile turned predatory. "Nothing too dramatic. Yet." She counted on fingers. "You'll get aroused faster, Much faster. Things that wouldn't have affected you before will suddenly feel... intense. More sensitive everywhere." She gestured vaguely. "But you'll still have control. Mostly."
"So I'll be constantly horny?" Rem muttered
"Yup~." Aria leaned close. "But you'll still function. You won't be unable to think—just very, very aware of your body's needs."
"That's fucked up!" Rem protested, trying to jab at the goddess, failing miserably as her hand jus passed through her like she was a ghost
"That's the point, darling. It's called a corruption." She pulled back, twirling. "It gets so much better at threshold 20. That's when things get truly interesting."
She wouldn't elaborate, clearly enjoying keeping Rem in suspense.
"As for stat increases," Aria transitioned smoothly, "quests give permanent growth while Combat gives experience, but quests reshape your body, make you genuinely stronger." She tapped Rem's arm. "That STR increase will be noticeable too, you will hit harder, carry more, tire less."
"And Seduction Basics?"
"Passive enhancement of natural charm. Movements will be more graceful, your voice becomes more pleasant, presence increases and your more... magnetic." Aria's eyes gleamed. "With your CHA at 19, you'll be devastating. Men will trip over themselves, women will find excuses to touch you."
"I don't want that!"
"You need it." Aria corrected. "Seduction isn't just about sex. It's influence, manipulation, power. You'll need those tools."
The ominous statement hung heavy. Whatever Aria planned for future quests required more than combat skill.
"Oh, one more thing!" Aria's expression brightened with malicious glee. "Quests from now on? They escalate. Warm-up period is over darling—I've been gentle while you adjusted."
"This was gentle?!" Rem raised her hands in exaggeration.
"Extremely!" Aria looked offended. "You've barely had to do anything truly degrading yet. But moving forward..." She trailed off meaningfully. "Let's just say I hope you're ready for some really entertaining challenges."
The threat was clear—whatever humiliation this quest involved would pale compared to her future.
"Why?" Rem hated the pleading note in her voice, it made her sick "Why make it worse? You've already trapped me here, given me this body. Why keep torturing me?!"
Aria's expression softened slightly, something almost genuine flickering. "Because, my dear, you deserve this. All those women you created, subjected to unspeakable thing, forced to compromise their values bit by bit." She tilted her head. "I wanted to see how the author would handle experiencing it firsthand."
"I never thought—"
"You never thought they were real," Aria finished. "But they are now. Just like you're real. Just like every humiliating quest shapes who you're becoming." She stood. "That's the beauty of divine punishment. It's educational, and it does not stop until its over."
She moved toward where wall should have stopped her but reality bent. She paused at the threshold.
"You should probably buy the kimono now. Tomorrow you'll need to start the public display, and trust me—you'll want time to work up courage." She winked. "Try to enjoy yourself!"
And she vanished, taking the oppressive presence but leaving the quest notification burning like an accusation.
Rem stood naked, staring at requirements. She needed those stat increases desperately—8 STR to 10 12 DEX to 14, 10 END to 13 would make her significantly more capable. The Travel Combat Set was essential for surviving the journey.
But the cost made her want to scream. Three hours in that semi-transparent kimono while strangers stared, getting fifteen compliments and even Then, sparring with Kaisen or Elise in the adventurer outfit, getting pinned, working up sweat that would make the fabric cling more.
The special objectives dangled there—allowing "accidental" touching for bonus LP. Responding flirtatiously to suggestive comments. Each pushing boundaries, testing how far she'd go.
"I don't have a choice." She muttered
The penalties were too severe—losing 10 CHA would cripple her social interactions, LST jumping to 15 would make every day uncomfortable, lacking proper gear would probably get her killed within the first week.
Aria had structured it perfectly. Acceptance was the only rational option her, nothing else.
Rem pulled up the store interface, navigating to the White Silk Kimono.
[White Silk Kimono: 100 LP]
[Traditional garment modified for maximum appeal. Semi-transparent silk and form-fitting cut, designed to draw attention.]
Her finger hovered over purchase. She tried convincing herself there was another way.
But there wasn't.
"Fuck it."
[White Silk Kimono purchased: -100 LP]
[Current LP: 475]
The garment appeared in her inventory, beautiful white silk folded with perfect precision. She couldn't bring herself to look at it properly yet.
[Quest Updated: White Silk Kimono acquired - ready to begin Part 1]
[Adventurer's Allure outfit must still be purchased (50 LP)]
She'd buy the second outfit after completing the first part, once she'd earned back LP through this quest.
Rem dismissed her interface, standing in candlelight trying to figure out what came next. She had Three days until journey. Three days of preparation, quests, decisions shaping everything forward.
Tomorrow she'd wear that kimono in public, collect compliments like currency, show herself to Kaisen while dressed like fantasy. The thought made her sick, but the alternative was worse.
She pulled on a clean short and collapsed onto her bed without blowing out the candle. Flickering light cast shadows across walls that felt too close.
"I'm going on the journey," she said to empty air. "I'll complete these quests. I'll get stronger and I'll survive."
The words felt hollow but they were all she had—determination to move forward despite everything.