My System Harem

Chapter 8: System Harem

I struggled to get up as my body continued to ache. Although the blood on my face might have been washed away, the pain did not disappear. My forehead, my cheeks, my scalp, and even my back. Everytime I move, my body starts to hurt. But I can't stay here for long. I have to get up on my feet and go back to the company.

At the age of 23, I was able to build my own business despite it being small. It was all due to my hard work, and I felt so happy when I finally built a company for myself, where I no longer need support from that wretched family, where I can finally live my life with Darius, and where I can finally erase my debt.

I have always been the one doing the work when I first started. Since I had no employees yet, I stayed up for so many nights just to improve it. I failed a lot of investments, almost went bankrupt, and even lost hope. But after 2 years of hard work? All of my efforts were paid off. That was when Darius came up to me and proposed. Back then, I really thought he planned it well by proposing to me when my business turned to a success. I was so happy at that time that I couldn't think of anything.

After 2 years, I finally decided to write his name as one of the owners. It was because I started this business for our future, and I want to make him a part of it. I want our names engraved on the paper, grow old without having to worry about our finances. I know that Darius isn't struggling financially, but I still wish for us to have a business we can call our own.

But it was all part of their plan? To steal my business by fooling me into believing that Darius loved me? So I was fooled from the very beginning?

I couldn't help but sneer at my own thoughts. I already knew the answer for ages, but I keep refusing to acknowledge that possibility, because I was blinded by love—by my naivety. Now that they took everything of mine, I can't just sit back and do nothing. As long as I'm alive, I will make sure the company does not fall on their hands!

I limped as I walked my way to the company. I had nothing left. No car to drive my way there, and no money to get a cab. As long as I persevere, I can get back everything that's mine, and I will make sure they regret everything they did to me!

When I reached the roadside, I waited for the street light to turn green. I had a plan crafted inside my head. When the light turned bright green, I limped as I crossed the road. But before I could even reach the other side, a beep sounded from a distance. I turned my head to look at the source of the sound, but all I saw was a bright light that blinded my field of view. Before I could even process the situation, a numbing pain hit my body.

My vision turned blurry. I blinked a few times to keep my eyes open, but I no longer saw the car that hit me. My ear rang and my head turned dizzy. People surrounded my view as the sound of siren filled my ears. But I couldn't think of anything, much less wonder what's going on.

Before completely losing my consciousness, I caught sight of a familiar face. A honey blonde hair and hazel eyes. A smile appeared in that beautiful face, but it was filled with nothing but mockery.

Lyra!! I'm going to kill you. I'll make sure you regret all of this. I swear...

With my flickering vision, I fell into a deep slumber as my field of view turned completely dark.

***

Where am I? Everything is dark, and I can't see a thing. My head still hurts, but it wasn't as much as before. I can't even feel my body, it feels like I'm floating. But how come? I'm pretty sure I got hit by a car. People surrounded me and even an ambulance came. And Lyra.

I was once again filled with rage as my last moment came rushing to me. Lyra was there! She was among the crowd, smirking as if she had seen something entertaining.

Wait... What? Don't tell me...

That piece of—

I knew it. It was Lyra's doing! She had all of this planned out, even my death! She already took everything away from me, and yet, it wasn't enough!? Now she even hired someone to kill me?? Is it to prevent me from taking back my company? 'Cause she knew I am more than capable of getting it back? 'Cause she knew that if I were alive, I might take back everything she stole from me?

I felt my rage rising back at my throat. I want to curse her, but it's too late. I'm already dead. Or... Am I?

Suddenly, a mechanical sound, accompanied by an electrical buzz entered my ears.

*DING!

A pink screen appeared in front of me. I was stupefied, until it made a sound.

"Hello, Dear Connection. Welcome to Love Interface System."

I blinked, so much so that my eyes began to hurt. Just what on earth am I seeing? Is this a dream? Or am I going crazy?

"Who are you? No. What are you?" I asked, but, will it even answer me? It sounds like a robot, so I'm not sure if it only says what it's instructed or if it can answer questions as well. But I have to know, because if I don't, I might go crazy when I'm already dead.

"I am your System Harem. You are one of the chosen few to return back time and finish missions to change your fate." It answered, but my brain seems to have stopped functioning.

What is it talking about? System Harem? Return back in time? Change fate? What does it even mean??

"I don't quite understand. Just what exactly is that system harem?"

It made a buzz before continuing.

"System Harem is a game interface where you are given missions to complete. Once you finish these missions, you can change your fate, from the misery you have experienced to the death that awaits you."

Wait what? How is that even possible? Can I really turn back time and get my revenge?

"Why me?" Although the opportunity presented before me is the perfect chance for me to twist my fate, I can't help but wonder why it has to be me.

"The System's Main Stream accumulates hatred from people. And you, my Dear Connection, is one of the few people with enough hatred accumulated to participate in the Love Interface Game."

"...."

Seriously. Did they hear my final thoughts? When I said I'd kill Lyra? Is that why? Well, what's there to think about? I'm more than determined to change this damn fate of mine.

"Alright. I understand. So tell me, what is this mission I am supposed to complete?"

Another buzz rang as the screen changed. This time, a meter appeared, with a heart above it. It ranged from 0 to 100, and a heart lever was seen above the '0' number. And a title appeared at the very top.

"Seduce the Three Heartthrobs of Summit University."