Chapter 1: The Divine Choice System.
1080 Words
“You deaf, or just pretending not to understand human language? I already said it—the dowry goes up to six hundred thousand today, or the wedding’s off!”
Maera Thorn’s voice sliced through the air like a whip. Her words bounced around the hotel hall, making everyone uncomfortable.
“And another thing,” she added, lips curling. “What’s wrong with adding three hundred thousand more? My daughter isn’t worth that much? Please. With Serene’s looks and family, she could easily marry a millionaire. You’re the one getting lucky here, not her!”
She wasn’t done. “And don’t forget—her younger brother will need to get married in a few years too. If we don’t ask for more now, where do you think that money will come from later?”
The whole room went quiet.
Inside the hotel in Eldoria, you could practically hear the tension humming in the air.
Arin Vale stood there, face tight, trying to stay calm. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of his life — his wedding day.
Instead, it felt like a nightmare unfolding in slow motion.
Maera Thorn — his would-be mother-in-law — had chosen today of all days to demand more dowry.
The original three hundred thousand had already wiped him out. He’d borrowed from friends, sold a few things, and even dipped into emergency savings.
And now, she wanted another three hundred thousand? He felt a dull ache in his chest just thinking about it.
“Mom, please,” Arin said, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You know my situation. Where would I even get that kind of money?”
Maera’s reply was like ice. “I don’t care how you do it, but that extra three hundred thousand better be in my hands by today. And don’t call me ‘Mom’ — the ceremony hasn’t happened yet!”
Ouch. That one stung.
To her, a married daughter was like spilled water — once gone, it’s gone forever.
And she wasn’t about to let that water go without wringing every last coin from it.
The hall went silent again, the weight of her words pressing on everyone.
After a long pause, Arin took a breath. “Auntie, how about this? I’ll agree to the six hundred thousand, but I’ll write you an IOU for the rest. Please, just let Serene and me hold the ceremony today.”
It wasn’t ideal, but it was something. People nearby nodded, murmuring in agreement. It sounded fair.
But Maera’s expression didn’t soften. Not even a little.
“Don’t try to trick me. You just want to marry my daughter and then pretend to ‘forget’ about the rest of the money, huh? Not happening.”
It was hopeless. She wasn’t going to budge.
Arin turned toward Serene, desperation flickering in his eyes.
“Serene, please. Say something. You know I’ll pay. You know I will.”
But Serene just looked away. “Arin, it’s our wedding day. Please… don’t make things harder for my mom.”
Maera folded her arms smugly. “See? Even Serene agrees with me.”
“You think so too?” Arin’s voice cracked, just a little.
Serene didn’t meet his gaze. “Just listen to my mom. That way we can get married.”
Something inside him cracked.
The bouquet slipped from his hands, petals scattering like broken memories across the marble floor.
Years of love — reduced to a number.
Then, from the side, a gentle voice spoke up. “Auntie, I really think he doesn’t have the money right now. Maybe you could let him write the IOU?”
It was Lyra Quinn — Serene’s bridesmaid, her best friend, their old classmate. She looked nervous but stepped forward anyway, her white dress swaying slightly.
Arin met her eyes and managed a small, grateful smile.
But Maera wasn’t having it. Her face twisted with irritation. “When did our family’s business become any of your concern?”
Lyra flinched but didn’t back down. Before she could say more, Arin gently caught her wrist and gave a small shake of his head, silently telling her to stop.
Maera’s lips curled again. “Oh, how sweet — not even married and already holding hands.”
“We’re just friends…” Arin muttered, but it sounded weak.
Lyra’s patience snapped. Normally soft-spoken, she suddenly raised her voice.
“Auntie, marriage should be about love! Arin and Serene have been together for years. Isn’t that worth more than a few hundred thousand yuan?”
Her words hit hard.
Maera’s face darkened instantly. “Where did this wild girl come from, thinking she can lecture me? Who do you think you are?!”
The insult cut deep. Arin looked at the two women — one he had loved for years, the other his would-be mother-in-law — and realized he didn’t recognize them anymore.
He gave a hollow laugh. “There’s no point saying anything else.”
“Arin, let’s go,” Lyra said quietly, grabbing his sleeve.
And just as he turned toward the door—
Ding!
A cold, metallic voice echoed inside his head.
‘Divine Choice System loading…’
Arin froze. What the hell?
A glowing progress bar flickered before his eyes.
In seconds, it hit one hundred percent.
‘System successfully loaded. Binding host…’
‘Binding complete!’
A system? Now? In the middle of his wedding disaster?
A faint blue screen blinked to life before him, displaying two glowing options:
Option 1: Insist on marrying Serene Liora — Reward: A Luxury Villa
Option 2: Leave with Lyra Quinn — Reward: A Random God-Level Skill
Two simple choices.
But only one felt right.
Continue with Serene? No way. Not after this.
Without hesitation, Arin chose the second option. Even if the reward was nothing but a stone, he’d still take it.
He’d seen enough of Serene and Maera to know the truth.
If they could treat him like this now, what would life with them look like later?
The screen vanished. Lyra tugged at his arm, leading him out.
And just as they stepped outside—
Ding!
‘Option completed. Host has obtained the God-Level Skill — Dominion Aura.’
A surge of energy exploded inside him. His body trembled, every nerve buzzing with power.
In that moment, Arin Vale felt like the world itself had shifted.
Whatever just happened…
He knew one thing for sure.
He would never be the same again.
- Writer
