29 Bond of Fate (III)
[The System Administrator takes offense.]
[The System Administrator is not a pervert!]
Each message appears quicker than the last.
[The System Administrator is a romantic!]
[The System Administrator has hopes for a love that transcends reality!]
[The System Administrator wishes you would focus on your fate over vengeance!]
[The System Administrator turns their back to you.]
Some part of me feels guilty when I realize the Administrator is truly upset with me, but then I huff and cross my arms over my chest, remembering who the real victim is here.
[The System Administrator is waiting for your apology.]
"I'm not giving you one. You're the one playing around with my life."
[The System Administrator is frustrated.]
[The System Administrator feels wronged.]
[The System Administrator wishes very strongly that you would remember!]
[The System Administrator wishes for your happiness above all else.]
I point at the window. "See? Here you go again. You want me to remember something, but you won't tell me what that something is. You keep acting like you're innocent, but who's the real innocent? Me. I'm innocent. I have no idea what I'm a part of or why I'm here."
[The System Administrator sulks.]
[The System Administrator is sad.]
"I just want to get revenge on the asshole who killed me, and you're trying to throw me into some sort of romantic engagement with him. I'm pretty sure you have no room to be sad. I'm the one who should be sad."
[The System Administrator points out that Mental Fortitude never activated once in your room.]
[The System Administrator asks if you truly believe revenge is all you want.]
[The System Administrator thinks you're open to a different conclusion.]
"Hah! It didn't activate because I wasn't in despair anymore. I want to kill him."
[The System Administrator slyly points out that it didn't look that way when Gryphon Vale kissed you.]
I toss my head. "I was caught off guard, and he's known to have a high charisma stat. It isn't my fault."
[The System Administrator snickers.]
[The System Administrator points out that charisma doesn't affect players.]
[The System Administrator watches you with starry eyes.]
"I—" I can't think of any way to respond. "Shut up. Just because my body responds doesn't mean my mind agrees, okay?"
[The System Administrator looks excited.]
"I'm going to grow stronger, and then I'll kill him with my own skill. Just you wait."
"Kill who, angel?" The now-familiar voice echoes through the chamber, and I scramble to my feet.
"Gryphon?" My heart pounds in surprise. I watch as Gryphon strides towards me, his dark eyes intense and focused solely on me. A shiver runs down my spine at the sight of his tall, muscular frame moving with effortless grace. For a moment, I'm entranced by the way the torchlight dances across the chiseled planes of his face.
I shake off the distraction, reminding myself of my true goal. Gryphon Vale is the enemy, the one who struck me down without a second thought. No matter how attractive he might be, I can't allow myself to be swayed from my purpose.
A system window pops up, the text glowing bright in the dimness of the cavern.
[Quest Complete!
Gryphon Vale has braved fire in order to claim his bride.
You have successfully reunited with Gryphon Vale. You have become aware of your shared destiny. Despite initial conflicts, the Bond of Fate between you has been acknowledged.
Reward: Increased closeness with Gryphon Vale, opening new conversation paths and story progression.
Bonus Reward: For clearing this stage in less than 6 hours, a large amount of experience will be granted. Please choose the distribution of experience.]
I blink at the unexpected message, my brow furrowing in confusion. Shared destiny? Experience distribution?
I'm so distracted by the status windows that I don't realize Gryphon has reached me.
I'm stunned as Gryphon yanks me into his arms, lifting me clean off my feet. His grip is iron-strong, completely unyielding despite my instinctive struggles to break free. My heart races from the sudden proximity, the clean, masculine scent of him surrounding me.
Gryphon looks me over with that intense, brooding expression I've become so accustomed to. There's an edge of desperation in his dark eyes as he demands, "Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"
I blink up at him, surprised by the undisguised concern in his voice. This overt show of care clashes with the image I have of him—the cold, ruthless killer I need him to remain in my memory.
Part of me wants to snarl defiance, to push him away and reiterate my vow of vengeance. But caged within the circle of his arms, I can't seem to summon the appropriate anger. Instead, an odd fluttering sensation fills my chest, my cheeks growing warm under his scorching gaze.
I'm sick, I decide. Poisoned by all those stupid messages from the System Administrator.
After a moment, I give up my fruitless efforts to escape his hold. Our power difference is too strong, and it's a waste of energy. My body goes still, though my pulse continues to hammer. "I wasn't in any danger," I murmur, unable to meet his eyes.
Gryphon doesn't respond right away. His arms are like bands of steel locked around me, firm and unyielding. I can feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat, the rise and fall of his broad chest with each breath. It's…
Intimate. Unsettling. Wrong.
"Can you put me down?"
"Absolutely not. Never."
It's then that I realize he's covered in blood. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. Just ran into a little trouble getting here. I'm sorry it took so long." He buries his face into my neck and sighs. "Just let me stand here for a minute. I was worried."
A silver window jiggles at the corner of my eye, and I glance toward it.
[The System Administrator is so excited!]
[The System Administrator squeals!]
[The System Administrator finds Gryphon Vale's actions satisfying!]
[The System Administrator declares themselves a fan of Gryphon Vale.]
[The System Administrator is smug.]
Gryphon's head snaps up at the successive dings, and he looks in the direction of the window. After a moment, his lips quirk into a smile.
"A fan?"
[The System Administrator blushes.]
[The System Administrator covers their face with their hands.]
[The System Administrator is embarrassed.]
[The System Administrator wishes you both happiness.]
I can hear his chuckle because I'm held so tightly against his chest.
"Thank you. I'll have to work hard to get her to accept me, though."
[The System Administrator pats their chest and declares that they are here to help!]
"How reliable. I'll depend on you, then." He sounds way too happy about this.
I pinch Gryphon's side as hard as I can, but he doesn't even flinch.
"Stop talking to that perverted administrator and let's go."
[The System Administrator looks away, whistling innocently.]
[The Bonding Ceremony is still in progress.]
[Quest: Trial of Lovers
Description: You share your fate, against all odds. Your love transcends reality. Now, you need the blessing of the gods.
Objectives:
- You must acquire a divine blessing to finalize your Bond of Fate.
Special Limitations:
- Party with each other. No third wheels accepted. (0/72 hours)
- This quest must be completed within 14 days. Remaining time: 335:59:59
Rewards:
???
Failure Penalty:
???]
