The city was both familiar and foreign, like a dream pulled straight from your memories. The cobblestone streets, the glow of lanterns swaying gently in the night breeze, the distant chatter of merchants—it was exactly like the otome game you used to play. But this time, there was no screen separating you from it. The cold air brushed against your skin, the uneven ground pressed beneath your feet, and the people around you moved with undeniable life.

As you wandered through the streets, excitement bubbled in your chest. You recognized a few characters from the game, their faces no longer mere illustrations but real, breathing individuals. If they were here, then that meant—

You turned down a quieter, darker street, curiosity pulling you forward. The moment you stepped into the shadows, you collided with someone.

A firm, unyielding presence.

You stumbled back, heart hammering, and looked up—only for the air to catch in your throat.

Tall. Inhumanly so, at least compared to you. White hair framed a strikingly handsome face, his features sharp enough to be carved from marble. And then there were his eyes—icy blue, as piercing in real life as they had been in the game, yet somehow more unreadable, more intense.

You knew him immediately. But he wasn’t supposed to be here. Not this soon. Not him.

He let out a quiet scoff, gaze flicking over you with clear disinterest before he spoke. His voice was low, smooth, but carried an edge of annoyance.

"Tch. If you insist on getting in my way, at least try not to be so pathetic about it."

Your stomach twisted. In the game, he had been introduced under a different name—Azren. A man of power, mystery, and influence. But you knew the truth. That wasn’t his real name. Beneath the carefully constructed identity, he was Shengxiao, the villain. The one no protagonist was supposed to cross paths with so soon.