The pain was unbearable, as if her body were being pierced by a million needles at once. Roulan burst out of the house, running as fast as she could, trying to keep herself together. It was too much—she was in agony.
[If you do not acquire a magical medium within an hour, you will lose your magical abilities.]
Another system notification flashed before her eyes. She clenched her fists, bitterly thinking it didn't matter—she only had that cursed healing ability anyway. But to use her magic, she needed to reach a state of ecstasy to make the energy flow through her body.
"I want to live," Roulan shouted, halting suddenly as desperation overwhelmed her. "I don't care what it takes—I want to control my destiny. I'll sacrifice anything. I'll do anything!"
Her voice echoed in the empty space, but her heart sank as she realized she was surrounded. These weren't Milano and his guards—they were demonic beasts.
[Analyzing your request...
Generating an appropriate mission...
Adjusting system tasks...]
Another system notification appeared just as the beasts lunged at her. Roulan froze, unarmed and defenseless. But as one beast closed in, she instinctively leapt back, her body moving with unnatural agility. It shocked her—where had this ability come from? Another growl from behind snapped her back to the moment.
She couldn't keep dodging or running. Her energy was fading quickly, and her vision began to blur. She had only just woken up in this strange world—she wouldn't die, not before achieving her dreams.
"Do you need help, Princess?"
Her head snapped up. A man was approaching, calm and unarmed. It was him. But why was he here? Was he insane? She couldn't even muster the strength to shout. "Your Majesty… help me," she said, her voice trembling and faint.
Her words seemed to spark something within him. His expression darkened, a protective fury evident in his eyes.
With a single snap of his fingers, the beasts exploded as if punctured by an unseen force. Before she could hit the ground, he caught her, his arms wrapping protectively around her frail form. He frowned, sensing her life force flickering like a dying flame.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "There's no wound. What's happening to her? You can't die—not after stealing my heart, Roulan."
His eyes searched her pale face for a sign of life, determination blazing within him. He couldn't lose her—not like this.
If saving her meant being selfish, he would gladly embrace it. Without hesitation, King Rick pressed his lips to hers. A radiant light erupted from the circle that suddenly formed around them, its energy expanding outward until it blanketed the entire kingdom. The aura of his power surged, drawing the attention of every soul.
The kingdom buzzed with whispers. Who was the one lucky enough to share the king's magic?
But even after this grand display, Roulan's eyes remained closed. Rick's heart clenched. He had given her half of his power, even half of his life force. Why wasn't she waking up?
Before despair could claim him, her fingers lightly brushed his cheek. "See?" she murmured weakly, her voice soft but clear. "You do love me."
Relief flooded him, and he smiled, pulling her close. "You're safe now," he whispered.
Roulan felt the warmth of his embrace, along with an unfamiliar energy coursing through her, rejuvenating every cell in her body.
"You now possess half my life force," Rick said softly, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "If anything happens to one of us, the other will die."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Was he serious? Who asked him to share his life force with her? Didn't he realize that her cursed system would have restored her with just a kiss?
"Roulan, are you okay?"
The voice came from behind them. It was Milano, his tone heavy with anger. His fiery gaze locked onto Rick. "Stay away from her, you bastard! You and your family caused this!" Milano's stepmother sneered as she stepped forward, venom in her voice. "If the king takes her, we'll lose everything. Without her, who will heal me during my spells?"
Rick shook his head, his expression resolute. "She's coming with me. She'll be under my protection now. We share the same magic. No one can touch her."
Roulan, still processing everything, looked at Rick. She wasn't thrilled about being tied to him for life, but the memory of his kiss—and the way her heart raced—made her resolve waver.
[Special System Mission:
Marry King Rick. You have six months, or you will revert to your previous system.
Reward: The cancellation of the survival system.
Do you accept this mission?]
Roulan's lips curved into a faint smile. This was her chance. All she had to do was marry him. It seemed easy enough—after all, he loved her. Sharing half his life force and magic was proof enough.
"You're coming with me, Roulan," Milano said, his voice quiet but firm. He didn't dare approach Rick, whose aura would incinerate anyone foolish enough to step too close.
Roulan glanced at Milano and then at Rick. Her decision was clear. She tightened her grip on Rick's hand, watching as he kissed her palm in a silent challenge to Milano.
"I accept the system mission," she said quickly. "I'll go with His Majesty."
Rick's eyes softened, and he brushed his thumb across her lips. "Call me Rick, my princess," he murmured.
Milano's fury erupted, and he lunged forward, only to be restrained by his stepmother.
"Stop!" she hissed. "Attacking the king will give the mages' council a reason to annihilate our family. Do you want to be the cause of our downfall? As for her, we'll bring her back when the time is right."
Milano's heart ached as he stared at Roulan. The woman he loved now seemed like a stranger.
…
"I need to tell you something, Your Majesty," Roulan said, glancing nervously at Rick.
"What did I say? Call me Rick," he replied softly, his gaze unwavering.