Chapter 4

When I woke up again, I sat bolt upright, finding myself in a bed, naked again. Dammit, this scene was way too familiar.

I remembered that before I passed out, I was trying to warn Valerius that someone was coming to kill him tonight. So what happened after that? Where was Valerius?

“Oh, you’re awake.” I looked up to see someone standing by the bed. It was Valerius.

“Explain yourself. Why are you and I back here again?” Valerius’s eyes were filled with murderous intent.

“Detecting the villain’s current hatred points at 90%.”

What did he mean, "again"? I clutched my neck. If I was going to die, could he at least not slice my throat? The spraying blood would be really ugly.

“Uh, Host, you died before. Someone struck you down with a single palm, so the story restarted.”

“Then why does Valerius remember what happened before?”

“System has crashed…”

Hearing the system playing dead, I…

“Dude, honey, bestie, let’s just talk this out, okay? Yeah, so, that’s how it happened, and this is the result…” I couldn’t even finish. I rolled my eyes and continued, “Fine, just strike me down.”

“Hahaha…” Valerius laughed, a genuine, joyful laugh.

“Detecting the villain’s hatred points at 60%.”

I was speechless. Utterly speechless.

He tossed me a piece of clothing and told me to put it on. Same as before, he scooped me up and jumped out the window. This time, I was a little more used to it. I didn’t almost puke.

After he set me down, I saw clearly that there were only two people on the ground. I felt a little relieved.

“Host, detecting the male and female leads have appeared.”

I hadn’t even enjoyed my relief for a minute before the system poured cold water on me. Those two across from us were the main characters!

Oh, seriously? Should I just reset again?

“Host, you no longer have the chance to restart the story. If you die this time, you are truly dead.”

“Valerius, so this is the kind of person you are.” Seraphina, the female lead, spoke, her voice laced with regret and a hint of heartache.

“Seraphina, he’s heartless, he’s cold. He’s simply not worth your love.”

Darius, the male lead’s words, made me want to laugh. And I actually did laugh out loud.

The air froze. And I was embarrassed again.

“Elara, you’re helping a villain. You’ve truly disappointed me,” Darius spat again.

“Your disappointment means nothing to me. It was my own blindness that made me like you before. Now, I’m a freak, and liking you would make me an idiot.”

I retorted without hesitation. The night was quiet and clear, so I couldn't clearly see his expression.

“Heh.” Valerius chuckled again. Damn it, why did he laugh so much? Was it really that funny?

“Draw your swords. I’ll even let you have a hand.” Valerius’s smile vanished as he gripped his sword and drew it.

“Such big words.”

I stood off to the side, listening to a flurry of clashes. This time, I hadn’t stabbed Valerius, so he should be able to win, right?

“Danger! Danger! The male and female leads are about to die! Please protect the male and female leads!”

Is this ever going to end? I need to make them hate me, but I also have to protect them?

“Host, if the male and female leads die, you will also cease to exist.”

Dammit! I immediately rushed over, wrapped my arms around Valerius’s waist, and clung to him.

“Now, get lost!” I yelled, unleashing a barrage of insults at the main characters.

Valerius didn’t say anything. The main characters left.

I felt like I was probably still going to die. Oh well, in this life, whether I die now or later, death is inevitable.

Valerius grabbed my hand, looking at me with an unreadable gaze. “Are you… propositioning me?”

04

Propositioning what?! Seriously?!

I jumped off him, shaking my head. I said directly, “No, I just didn’t want you to kill them. Don’t you think it’s strange? Why would they appear here this time? Maybe this is the key to why we’re back here.”