Story Reader / Affection / Vera: Geiravor / Story
Vera: Geiravor I
>On that fateful day... the Demon Lord descended upon the dark castle...
Even looking upon the Demon Lord was forbidden—one glance and you'd be transformed into a monster!
We had no choice but to abandon the homes our ancestors had lived in for generations!
Thankfully, the one from the prophecy has arrived! This chosen one is destined to tear all darkness asunder with the power to end the Demon Lord's tyranny!
The three villagers, singing in exaggerated tones, hoist the chosen one up into the air together.
So, mighty and fearless warrior—
Take our village's finest sword, journey to the castle, and vanquish the Demon Lord!
Here you go!
The blacksmith, busy working at his forge, gives a deep grunt as he uses tongs to pull the red-hot "Sword of the Brave" from the furnace and plunges it into water to cool.
Seeing everything clearly, the hero falls into deep thought.
Questioning, not permitted. Modeling resources, limited. If I say it is, it is.
A mechanical voice echoes in your mind, accompanied by a faint sensation of pain.
Strict adherence to "Into the Demon Castle", required. Character and script deviations, strictly forbidden. Violations, result in punishment.
Cheat System, fully activated.
[player name], depart immediately.
After three full days of arduous travel with the "village's finest sword" in hand, the hero finally sees the majestic castle looming before them.
The massive castle, covered in dense thorns, looks even more sinister under the night sky. This is where the legendary Demon Lord resides.
The problem becomes apparent—though the castle's main entrance is clearly visible, no matter how many thorns you cut down, it seems... impossible to reach the door.
Wondering about the true identity of this Demon Lord who can "turn anyone into a monster with a single glance," you grip your weapon tightly and prepare for a confrontation.
From the thorny bushes nearby comes the sound of "whispers," deliberately amplified by the system.
<size=30>Bro, is that the one we're looking for?</size>
<size=30>No doubt about it. That person is holding the "village's finest sword"—exactly what our Demon Lord is after.</size>
<size=30>Wait for my signal. We'll jump out when the warrior gets close...</size>
WAAAAAARGHHH!
Before the "Boss" could finish speaking, a dazzling blade of light flashed out of nowhere! The hero's face suddenly appeared before the two ill-intentioned thugs, the "village's finest sword" still gleaming with brilliant afterglow.
The hero points their weapon at the two figures behind the thorny bushes, eyes sharp with determination.
Bro! T-this isn't part of the Demon Lord's plan—
Shut up!
The hero briefly sizes up the two guards, then decides to train their weapon on the stuttering one while choosing the other guard—the one who seems more capable of following their reasoning—to negotiate with.
...I'm Technor, and he's Howitzer.
ZZZZT!
A sharp ringing pierces through the hero's mind, forcibly cutting off their words.
Do not ask, what should not be asked. Hero, should not do unnecessary things. Ask directly, for the Demon Lord's location.
The hero, periodically tormented by intense pain—or rather, the actor playing the hero in this virtual script—suppresses their frustration and chooses to follow the system's instructions.
N-no...
Howitzer's gaze darts around nervously, looking behind the hero.
Despite the splitting pain in their skull, the hero's senses remain sharp—they quickly notice something wrong: vines slowly creeping along the ground, and... a breeze from behind.
But it was already too late.
This was our mighty Demon Lord's plan all along... Luring you here was more than enough!
Hah... Just as I expected, walking right into my trap.
M-my lord!
A crimson-black gale sweeps in from behind, instantly razing the thorny vines to the ground.
The hero instinctively raises the "village's finest sword" in defense, only to receive a direct punch to the chest from the crimson-black figure.
A suffocating sensation instantly spreads through the chest as vision begins to darken.
Before consciousness fades completely, the last thing visible is the smug grins on the faces of those two guards.
Th-that's our D-Demon Lord for ya!
Hey! This was my idea to begin with!
Both of you shut up and drag this insolent fool back to the castle!
As thought processes shut down completely, only one idea remains in your fading consciousness: "I should've used my Cheat System more aggressively."
But... whatever, it's just a virtual scenario after all. This unexpected failure will probably kick me out.
Drip. Drop.
Drip. Drop.
After an unknown amount of time, your consciousness gradually returns, catching a faint sound coming through the darkness.
The monotonous sound of dripping water echoes in the darkness, slowly pulling scattered thoughts back together.
Struggling to focus, you finally adjust to the dim light, only to realize the scene before you is completely unfamiliar.
A cramped space with a sturdy iron door—this is clearly not the World Government Association of Art's virtual scenario experience chamber.
Just as you raise your hand to check if the virtual connection device on your head is working properly, you feel something strange against your wrist.
—Your wrists are bound by sturdy shackles.
You clearly failed in the scenario just now and never even saw the Demon Lord. Logically, the system should have logged you out automatically.
But you're still trapped in the scenario, and from the looks of it, you've been locked up in some kind of "prison cell"?
Despite your gesture, the shackles don't budge an inch.
Everything around you remains completely unchanged...
Something isn't right. There must be a problem somewhere. The words you heard at the World Government Association of Art float back into your mind.
"Into the Demon Castle" is the WGAA's newest virtual experience. The story may be simple, but the battles are really fun!
Plus, the experience is incredibly realistic and super immersive—it'll definitely exceed your expectations!
It won't take long either—all you need to do is head to the castle and defeat the Demon Lord.
If you lose a battle, the system will automatically log you out, so don't worry about it.
If you encounter any problems during the experience, you can always force quit—so please help us test this simulation, [player name]!
It's troublesome for sure, but at least you won't suffer any real damage—after all, this is just a virtual scenario.
Looking around, everything appears in stunning detail. The simulation technology renders each element with such realism that it's impossible to distinguish between reality and illusion.
The iron railings, the distinctive damp and moldy smell of the dungeon, and the pressure imposed by the shackles on your wrists... everything creates a thoroughly immersive experience.
With no way to force quit and all in-game interactive buttons completely disabled, it seems you will need a different approach to solve this predicament.
The hero looks down at the incredibly realistic abrasion marks on their wrists, noting how even the subtle sensation of pain has been simulated.
Looking at, the abrasion marks, the clever and resourceful hero, comes up with, a brand new idea.
Ayla says, you will find a way, to complete the story. Time is, limited, good luck.
The system casually drops a puzzling statement.
The hero lowers their head, looking once more at the abrasion marks on their wrists.
According to Ayla's comment about the "super realistic experience," if I treat this as a "real" predicament to solve...
Soon, the hero finds a piece of wire among the scattered debris on the ground and starts to review the lockpicking course from their F.O.S. training in their mind.
Carefully working the wire inside the keyhole of the shackles, you soon hear the satisfying click of the bolt releasing.
As the shackles hit the floor, a new system message appears on the hero's retinal display—the act of breaking free seems to have successfully triggered a new sequence, updating the mission progress.
Current Main Objective: Escape from Prison Cell - (1/2)Demon Lord Affection: 0Final Objective: Demon Lord Affection 100Countdown: 52 Hours
Glancing at the mission description, a strange feeling wells up inside you. Something is definitely not right.
According to Ayla, this was supposed to be a script about a hero defeating the Demon Lord and exploring the world. How did it turn into a romance game about raising affection?
And on top of that—the one whose affection I'm supposed to raise is the Demon Lord??
Nothing happens.
What do you want? Stop making a ruckus!
Drawn by the noise, the figures of Technor and Howitzer appear, staring at you suspiciously.
B-bro, why is this person tapping the air?
Has the mighty hero finally lost it? The Demon Lord didn't aim for the head earlier, right?
Howitzer reaches out his hand, as if to check whether the legendary hero might be running a fever.
Take your hand back! No touching! Be careful, it might be a trap—can't you see the handcuffs have been removed?
I've seen plenty of humans with tricks up their sleeves. Whatever illness this one has caught, we just need to be more vigilant.
The guards bring another set of chains, fastening them securely around the cell door.
Current Mission Objective: Escape from Prison Cell - (0/2) Demon Lord Affection: 0 Final Objective: Demon Lord Affection 100 Countdown: 52 Hours
After all that struggle, the mission progress has actually gone backward.
The plan to interact as if following a "virtual script" has completely failed. Time to face reality.
Recent experiences confirm the facts: neither objects nor people can be interacted with through convenient virtual interactions. They must be treated as "real."
At this point, you can only rely on your actual abilities to advance toward the "Final Objective"—raising the Demon Lord's affection to 100.
No matter who this Demon Lord really is, you must first make contact with the mission target to continue advancing the process.
How dare you! I know what evil schemes you're plotting. Shut your mouth and stay put, or you'll regret it!
...What? Who spread such nonsense? We've always said, "The Demon Lord is as radiant as the sun—too dazzling to look at directly!"
Those d-despicable humans are jealous of our g-great Demon Lord, so they made up such ridiculous lies!
If it weren't for the Demon Lord's mercy, do you think you'd even be waking up here?
The D-Demon Lord is the most m-merciful and majestic...
As radiant as the sun, too dazzling to look at directly...
The two guards lose themselves in their own world, endlessly singing praises of their master.
Right at that moment, the crisp sound of footsteps echoes from afar, interrupting their self-absorbed monologue.
The guards immediately fall silent, their faces frozen in terror as they stare into the darkness behind them.
M-My L-Lord...!
Q-quick! Bow to her!
Before the source of those footsteps even emerges from the darkness, the guards are already bowing deeply, cold sweat covering their foreheads.
The newcomer's steps stir up a breeze, making the dungeon's flames dance in response. The footsteps draw closer, echoing through the confined space.
How...
How dare an ill-intentioned "guest" like you have the nerve to complain here?
Are you begging me to personally entertain you... or to bestow death upon you with my own hands?
Cloaked in darkness, the figure draws ever closer.
Seemingly intimidated by her invisible aura of authority, the guards maintain their bowing posture, not daring to even lift their heads.
The dungeon's dim light conceals her face, but her red hair blooms like a rose in the darkness of night.
She tilts her face slightly, casting what seems to be a meaningful glance toward the imprisoned hero.
Release the hero.
Yes, My Lord!
The guard opens the cell door. The rusty hinges creak as the hero steps out, finally tasting freedom.
You little mouse who dared to invade my castle...
State your name.
After receiving the answer, she steps menacingly toward the hero. The dim light finally illuminates her face.
She surveys everything before her with a casual smile, while the guards beside her bow their heads respectfully.
Unlike the others, the hero doesn't bow before her, but instead stares at her face in stunned silence.
A slight smile appears at the corner of her lips.
The hero had wondered many times what this Demon Lord—who supposedly turns anyone who looks at her into a monster—would actually look like—
BZZZZZZT!!
A searing pain surges through your skull once more, infinitely more intense than before.
Warning. Warning. Severe character deviation. The hero does not, know the Demon Lord.
Final, warning. Strictly follow, script and character guidelines.
As the hero writhes in agony, the Demon Lord instead savors their painful expression, an excited gleam lighting up her eyes.
Just saying my name brought such severe backlash? How bold of you...
Daring to call me by my true name... Do you realize what this means?
The hero struggles to lift their head, and surprisingly reaches out toward the Demon Lord—their supposed enemy.
Slap!
The Demon Lord swats away the hero's trembling hand.
...Shut up.
That moment of recognition seems like an illusion as the Demon Lord quickly returns to her usual self—arrogant without leaving the slightest crack in her facade.
Hah... Don't want to answer, do you? It seems you're more than just a sassy little mouse after all.
Since that's how you want to play it, let's try something a bit more... interesting...
A gun appears in her hand—the very same "village's finest sword." The weapon, originally meant to slay the Demon Lord, has been confiscated by her instead.
The wielder of the gun slides the barrel across her cheek, fixing the human before her with a playfully menacing gaze.
Then, she points the gun at the human.
Bow to me.
Hah, I didn't see that coming. You really don't care about staying on my good side, do you?
Those who aren't completely obedient in my domain are nothing but worthless trash. It's time you pay the price for your defiance—
Farewell, [player name]. Go reflect on your mistakes in hell.
Unable to predict whether this version of Vera possesses her own consciousness or what actions she might take, the hero can only rely on instinct to dodge the gun pointed at them.
Even though they cannot predict whether this version of Vera possesses her own consciousness or what she might do next, a subtle feeling flashes through the hero's mind.
The hero makes no movement, simply gazing calmly at the barrel of her gun.
Crash!
With a loud bang, a shower of colorful streamers erupts from the gun barrel, spinning as they flutter down around the human.
Amidst the falling streamers, the Demon Lord's face returns to a satisfied smile.
She moves in close to the human, her fingertip lightly tracing their face, as if announcing the rules of her game.
I thought you were truly fearless, but it seems you're nothing special after all.
What do you think... my trophy?
Hahaha... Prepare yourself to live as my prisoner from now on.
Interesting... Your courage exceeds my expectations.
You're becoming more and more intriguing to me, my trophy.
Hahaha... Prepare yourself to live as my prisoner from now on.
With her words, the system text appears once more before your eyes.
Current Mission Objective: Escape from Prison Cell - [Completed] Demon Lord Affection: -10 Final Objective: Demon Lord Affection 100 Countdown: 51 Hours
Gray Raven's Commandant—also known as the "hero"—stares at Vera wearing a coating they have never seen before, and lets out a heavy sigh.
Completing the "Demon Lord Affection 100" objective might be far more difficult than imagined.
Fearing the hero's inappropriate behavior might cause trouble, the bowing guard nearby frantically signals with his eyes.
Hmm? You seem to have something to say?
Main Mission Objective Updated: Contact Affection Target [Demon Lord Vera]Main Mission Progress: [Mission Accepted]Demon Lord Affection: -10Final Objective: Demon Lord Affection 100Countdown: 51 Hours
The true mission of "Into the Demon Castle" is no longer as simple as "defeating the Demon Lord" as Ayla claimed, but rather—
To establish a higher affection level with "Demon Lord" Vera within the system's allotted time.
In this virtual world, she is the true sovereign of everything.
Plus, the experience is incredibly realistic and super immersive—it'll definitely exceed your expectations!
"Exceed expectations"... This truly has exceeded expectations in every possible way, in the most literal sense.
WGAA's typical whimsical style again...
Answer me, [player name].
Seeing the hero still has not answered, Vera reaches out and firmly turns their face toward her own.
Speak. I have no interest in a mime.
Repeating these hastily "borrowed" phrases from the guards, even you feel somewhat guilty about the insincerity.
Is that so...?
Vera narrows her eyes.
Such stiff flattery... how truly boring to hear.
I won't be pleased if all you're going to do is run your mouth.
Hmph, let's see if you can prove to me... your will to survive under my authority as my "trophy."
Vera turns and walks away, her voice utterly devoid of warmth as she issues orders to her subordinates.
Take the prisoner to the room in the highest tower.
The prisoner is not to take a single step outside that room without my orders.
I want to see our hero first thing when I wake up tomorrow.
If there's even the slightest mistake, you are dead. Understood?
Yes, My Lord!
Without a word, the two guards escort the hero out of the dungeon. After climbing seemingly endless stairs, they finally arrive at a bedroom within one of the castle towers.
The modest room contains only basic furnishings. The windows have no bars, but the tower's height makes escape through them impossible... not to mention the dense thorns covering the castle's outer walls.
Hey, human... uh, [player name]? Whatever. Don't even think about trying anything funny. We'll be guarding the door the whole time.
If you dare pull any trick, I'll punch you right in the face!
B-bro, you're so c-cool!
The door slams shut, and a system notification appears with an update.
Main Mission Objective Updated: Contact Affection Target [Demon Lord Vera] Main Mission Progress: [Completed] New Mission Objective: Go to Bed Progress [Accepted] Demon Lord Affection: -10 Final Objective: Demon Lord Affection 100 Countdown: 50 Hours
The hero becomes a "prisoner" once again. According to the system settings, no actions are permitted except resting.
Now, drowsiness washes over the hero after such intense concentration. Yielding to the rules of the virtual scenario, the hero decides to conclude the day's proceedings.
The moment you settle onto the soft feather bed and close your eyes, your consciousness begins to blur.
Before falling into deep slumber, the last thing to surface in your mind is Vera's words.
I want to see our hero first thing when I wake up tomorrow.
I won't be pleased if all you're going to do is run your mouth.
Hmph, let's see if you can prove to me... your will to survive under my authority as my "trophy."
