Elias Cross never imagined his life would end in such a pathetic way—slumped over his desk after another all-nighter of playing visual novels. But when he opened his eyes, he wasn't in his tiny apartment anymore.

Instead, he stood in the grand halls of an unfamiliar academy, surrounded by towering marble pillars and students dressed in elegant uniforms.

A robotic voice echoed in his head.

[Welcome, Player. You have been chosen to participate in "The Forbidden Game."]

Elias froze. A translucent screen appeared before him, displaying a cold, mechanical text.

[Objective: Capture all the protagonist girls of melo Academy.]

[Failure to comply will result in total erasure.]

His stomach twisted. This had to be a joke. A prank. But when he tried to move, his body remained frozen as the system continued.

[You have been granted two paths to achieve your goal.]

Dominion: Use control, force, and mind-breaking tactics to make them yours.

Persuasion: Use seduction, manipulation, and strategic influence to earn their loyalty.

Elias gulped. His heart pounded as he scanned the courtyard, where beautiful girls with striking features walked by, each one radiating the aura of a protagonist. The faces were familiar—he had seen them before in the game Melo Chronicles: Eros Edition.

This wasn't just a fantasy world. He was inside an 18+ dating game.

And the system wanted him to conquer them all.

As his mind raced, a soft voice called out.

"Hey, you there. Are you new?"

Elias turned. Standing before him was Selene Valentine, the elegant and untouchable ice queen of the academy, known for rejecting every man who dared approach her.

A notification appeared in his vision.

[New Target Acquired: Selene Valentine.]