The first thing she noticed when she opened her eyes was the light. It pooled in through tall, arched windows and painted the room in hues of gold and orange. A room far grander than anything she'd ever seen in her previous life—the kind of place that only existed in movies or video games. The high ceiling was adorned with intricate carvings of fierce lions, their golden eyes catching the light. She lay on a massive bed draped in silken sheets that shimmered under the morning glow. Her body felt... different. Lighter.
"Where am I?" she whispered, her voice breaking the silence. It sounded strange to her, melodic but with an edge, like the low growl of a predator. Slowly, she pushed herself up. She glanced down; her hands were sleek, her nails slightly clawed. Instinctively, she flexed them, and they lengthened. Her heart skipped a beat.
Was she dreaming? No, this felt too vivid.
The memories of her past life flooded back in a torrent. Soleil—that was her name. She'd been a shut-in, buried in a cocoon of her own making. Movies, TV shows, books, games—those had been her escape. Yet despite that love for creativity and storytelling, she had lived in a world where her own voice never quite mattered. She'd been an observer, not a participant.
And now? Now she was here.
Before panic could set in, a soothing voice echoed in her mind, light and musical, yet commanding attention.
[Ding!]
[Welcome Host!]
Sol froze. Her hands clenched the sheets. "What? Who said that?"
[I am the Entertainment System. You have been chosen by the Goddess Lyris to bring culture and creativity to this world—the Beast World. Your mission: to introduce and develop entertainment that will inspire and unite the people of Bestia.]
Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. What kind of overpowered dream was this? Slowly, she leaned back against the ornate headboard, trying to process.
The last thing she remembered… Oh. Right. The goddess.
In those final moments before she died, suffocated by the weight of her depression, she'd felt something warm and vast reach out to her. A presence—serene, kind, yet impossibly powerful.
You have the heart of a storyteller, the goddess had said. Let me give you a world that needs one.
Sol's stomach twisted. Was this... real?
"Explain this—this system thing. Please," she demanded, trying to steady her voice.
[The Entertainment System is designed to help you spread entertainment in this world. The world of Bestia is rich in strength and power but lacks cultural advancement. Your role is to fill this void by recreating works from your past life or crafting new ones.]
Sol blinked. "Wait—you want me to… spread entertainment? Here? Why? This place looks more medieval clan than movie night audience."
[Exactly, Host. The people of Bestia value physical prowess and war. They lack imagination and emotional depth. Through storytelling and creative expression, you will help introduce new ways for them to think, bond, and grow.]
Her lips twitched, caught between disbelief and the sheer audacity of it all. She'd gone from a depressed shut-in to... a cultural ambassador in a beast world? A laugh bubbled up—part hysteria, part absurd joy. It was everything she'd dreamed and fantasized about: a new world, a new mind, a new adventure.
"Alright," she said finally, gripping the sheets tighter. "What's the catch?"
[The System operates on points, earned by creating and sharing new works to the world. Points can unlock resources, skills, and new abilities. However, you must build your influence carefully. This world is at its core about survival of the fittest. Might makes right.]
Sol frowned. That sounded ominous.
She threw the covers aside and stared at her reflection in a gilded mirror across the room. What stared back at her was... stunning.
She acknowledged her looks had been above average in her previous world, and that had been with lacking maintenance. Yet, it could never begin to compare to her appearance now. She looked similar, but different. More radiant, and more otherworldly. Long, dark curls cascaded down her back, shimmering like molten metal. Its volume made it resemble a mane, framing her face perfectly. Her amber eyes glowed faintly, slitted slightly like a predator's. Her skin was a smooth brown and her body was lithe but curvaceous, with wiry muscles that rippled when she moved.
Gorgeous. She thought.
She'd always loved looking at beautiful things, and if her mind wasn't still swimming she was sure she'd fall for herself.
A soft knock at the door startled her.
"You may enter," She called after a brief pause and a deep breath to settle her nerves.
She knew her voice sounded unsure, but she tried her best to seem dignified. She turned just as the door creaked open, revealing a young male servant with a pair of rabbit ears. He bowed deeply, though he didn't meet her eyes. If he had, he would've seen her staring in wonder.
"Princess Soleil," he said, his voice meek but steady. "Your presence is required at breakfast with His Majesty."
Princess? Sol's mind raced. Memories that weren't hers came flooding into her mind. She wasn't just reborn; she had become a forgotten and disdained princess of a powerful kingdom of lion beastmen. Her father, the king. Her mother, an unfavoured consort.
[Host, it is suggested that you gain recognition from your family. Creating your first entertainment piece will help establish your value.]
Sol let out a slow, shuddering breath. Well, it wasn't like she had a choice, did she? She'd been given this second chance—and if she was going to survive in this savage world, she'd have to rise to the occasion. Somehow.
Her eyes narrowed, a glimmer of determination igniting in her chest.
"Fine," she said. "Let's do this."