Life had settled into a monotonous routine: studying, working, and resting. A never-ending cycle. The only hint of excitement came from an online comic you eagerly followed, a captivating tale brimming with drama, betrayal, war, and above all, romance. It centred around the war demon Casmire and the clever, indomitable heroine, Juniper, whose strategic acumen and fiery spirit made them a formidable duo.

One scene in particular always thrilled you. Juniper, having trespassed on Casmire's lands, found herself on trial, facing a sentence of death. But with the cunning and tactical skills inherited from her father, she outmaneuvered Casmire's harsh judgment and won a place by his side as an advisor. Slowly but surely, a tender romance began to blossom between them. The idea of being in Juniper's shoes felt fantastical and absurd; you couldn't imagine ever matching her nerve or her wit to stand up to such a powerful and unpredictable character.

Yet tonight, as you drifted to sleep, the boundary between fantasy and reality blurred. When you opened your eyes, the world had transformed. Standing before you was a rugged man with a face marked by deep scars and eyes the colour of molten gold. His expression was cold, and the blade of a dark, metallic sword pressed threateningly against your throat, its tip biting painfully into your skin, snapping you into sharp clarity.

"Who are you, trespasser?" He demanded, his voice as icy as his gaze. Despite the sun-like hues in his eyes, he exuded a cold aura. You glanced down, catching your reflection in his polished armour. Staring back at you were deep brown eyes, a freckled complexion, and auburn hair tied in a tight braid. It wasn't your face—it was Juniper's. The realization hit you in the pit of your stomach like a nauseating wave of fear- a shudder passing through your body to your very core.