My System Harem

Chapter 9: Nightmare

Seduce who?? Have this system gone mad? It says it will change my fate, and yet they still want me to gamble my life for love? This is nonsense.

"Can I choose my mission?" I asked.

"My Dear Connection, this is a Love Interface Game, and the mission given to you are the only way to change your fate."

Change, my @ss. Why don't they just bring me back to when my mom was still alive? Or perhaps before I said yes to Darius? Even better if they just reincarnate me as a completely different person. So why do I have to seduce someone just to change my fate? I'm not a wh0r3. And what's worse, 3 men? Why 3? I don't even remember these heartthrobs because I was so busy being fooled.

"Is there really no other way?" I added, but only silence followed. Haa. I guess I really have no choice. Alright, let's act like a wh0r3 if that's the only way to get my revenge.

"Please elaborate."

After that, an electrical buzz once again sounded through the air.

"Your mission is to increase their affection meter until it reaches a hundred. Once you succeed, the Love Interface Game will end and you can continue your life the way you want."

A buzz, and an ominous red with a warning sign appeared on the screen. It continued.

"Warning. If the affection meter turns to negative, the mission will automatically fail. You will then be subjected to disposal." it warned, then turned back to its pink screen.

Disposal? So I'm going to die if I fail? They make it sound like I'm simply going to be thrown out of the game, when they are actually talking about my death. But, whatever. It's not like I haven't experienced death anyway.

There's so many to gain but I got nothing to lose. So what's there to hesitate for?

"Alright. Now, tell me. Who are these three—"

Before I could even finish my question, my vision suddenly turned black. The screen disappeared, and even the mechanical sound were nowhere to be heard. It all returned to when I first woke up here.

I was about to ask a question when a sudden pang of pain hit my head and my consciousness was in the brink of collapsing. Without a moment's breath, I felt my body fall into a deep slumber.

***

'BEEP, BEEP, BEEP'

I woke up from the sound of my alarm clock sitting on the bedside table. I always set it early in the morning because of my early class back when I was still in the university. However, it has been ages since the last time I have heard of this sound. When I reached adulthood, I barely used my alarm clock as my body got used to waking up so early.

So who set this alarm?

My body felt sore all over. My eyes struggled to open as if I only had 2 hours of sleep. What even happened? Didn't I graduate like 4 years ago?

I placed strength on my left hand as I searched for the alarm clock on the bedside table. My eyes are still closed from the fatigue I am feeling. Where did this exhaustion even came from?

I successfully found the alarm clock and immediately turned it off. As silence filled the room, I was able to think more clearly.

Was it because of that dream? But isn't it too long to be a dream? Moreover, the pain I felt was too realistic. But surely, it's just a dream. Even that screen Introducing itself as my System Harem.

Yeah...

Wait, system?

I rose up so fast that my head turned dizzy and the pang of pain I felt earlier returned. But wasn't it just a dream? Don't tell me...

At my assumptions, I hurried myself to the bathroom and faced the mirror. A long, obsidian hair with pale silver eyes. My eyes turned wide from the sight I saw. It was the exact face I had when I was a teenager!

The eyes devoid of any emotions were no longer seen, but a tinge of sadness were still there. My face that used to have a hint of adulthood have now disappeared. But... How old am I, exactly? What year is this? Wasn't I already dead??

As if seeing a talking screen that introduced itself as my System Harem wasn't enough, now I have really returned back in time? Was this what that system was talking about? So it wasn't just my hallucination?

Dumbfounded, I walked back to my room and took my phone. The time was 6:08 in the morning, and the year.... 2026?? Isn't this far too long? No wonder I looked so young. 'I'm literally back to 18!

I was so shocked that I stood frozen on place for the longest time. I was only able to get back to my senses when the time hit 6:15 and another sound rang from the clock.

Oh no, I have to get ready first!

I rushed to the bathroom to take a bath and went out when I was done. I continued to my closet where I picked my usual black hoodie and jeans. I looked at the time, 6:45am. I still have some time to reach school before 7.

Without waiting any longer, I left my room and closed the door. However, the sight before me caused my body to pause as if I had seen a ghost. But no ghost can be as traumatizing as the place that filled my view. It's our house. The very house I left to escape from. The very house where I experienced all kinds of pain. And the very house that abandoned me.

I clenched my fist from the memory. This house is the last place I ever want to see when I returned. Because when I do, I would burn it to ashes and make sure even the family who dwell here disappear from earth.

But no, not yet. I still have to accomplish something. I need to finish my mission, just like what my system said. And when that happens, I'll be able to achieve my greatest desire—their death.

I continued my steps with a calmer heart. My steps were heavy, but it was with confidence. I know what I must do, and I am the one whom they must fear. Because among all of us, I'm the only one who has the future in the palm of my hands.

As I reached the final steps of the stairs, I started to hear faint murmurs from somewhere. I turned to look at the source of the sound. It was the kitchen. They must be having a heartwarming breakfast. Just like always, they would eat without me, and give their daughter a ride to the university. And me? I will be taking a bus because just having me in the car already fills them with disgust.

With slower and quieter steps, I closed the distance between me and the door. I feel like I might suffocate if I stay in this wretched house any longer. I swear, once I save enough money, I will move out right here and then. Because being here does not bring me comfort. This house is my hell, the only difference is that I'll be the one to put a fire in this damn house.

I reached the doorknob and was about to twist it open when a soft voice came out from behind. A melancholy in the ears of some, but for me? It was like the siren I heard when I was losing my consciousness. The rage I have been holding back rose up to my throat as I turned my head.

"Sis!"