What! I Got Reincarnated as a No-Name Character in the World of an Otome Game

Chapter 7 (Revised)

In "Destined Lover," the game revolves around Lily Germa, a young girl who tragically lost her parents in 'The Great War' at the tender age of 9. Despite growing up in an orphanage, Lily maintains her hope and strives to be kind, helpful, and optimistic. Blessed with a love for magic and potent abilities, Lily's life takes a dramatic turn when the Supreme Arcane Council discovers her existence and invites her, a commoner, to the prestigious Celestial Court Academy for nobility.

Eager to change her destiny, Lily embraces the opportunity, only to find her school life fraught with challenges. Surrounded by nobility, she becomes the target of discrimination and bullying due to her commoner status. Despite the adversity, Lily refuses to harbor resentment, embodying the epitome of resilience and grace. It's hard to deny that Lily embodies the traits of a Mary Sue—a character whose perfect personality and appearance instantly captivate everyone around her.

Recalling the synopsis of "Destined Lover" fills me with embarrassment. Despite spending years immersed in the game, it's only now that I realize I've been unwittingly living within its storyline. Confronting this truth leaves me feeling deeply embarrassed, especially considering my long-standing fandom for the game.

Looking back, I've finally pieced together why this world and Rune feel so eerily familiar. Rune is none other than the main antagonist of that game—a formidable final boss whose power required careful planning from many players, including myself, to defeat. Yet, here he is, looking nothing like the menacing figure I remember. In the game, Rune lacked the wolf-like ears, blue eyes, and black hair that define him here. Was it a mistake, or am I mistaken? I can't help but wonder if it was an oversight by the game's developers or a deliberate alteration.

Despite the confusion, one thing is clear: the Rune in the game was consumed by rage, his cries for vengeance echoing through every encounter. But here, he's different—a friend, a companion. And I refuse to stand by and watch him succumb to the same darkness that haunted his digital counterpart.

Contemplating the plot of that game, when Rune first emerged, I harbored disdain for his character—despite his striking appearance—due to his embodiment of pure evil and insanity.

With his cold, blood-red eyes, he wreaked havoc in the magical world, evoking chills with every appearance. However, as I gradually uncovered Rune's history, my hatred for him morphed into sorrow. He had witnessed and endured unspeakable horrors in this world, fueling his deep-seated resentment.

Rune sought justice for his injustices in his own manner, wielding destructive power that earned him the title of the worst criminal in history within this world. Yet, upon his demise as Ultio, his final words resonated with profound sadness, piercing my heart and bringing tears to my eyes alongside Lily's. "I wished for someone to halt my path," he uttered, acknowledging his inability to quell his own rage. As Rune's eyes fixated on emptiness, he mouthed words lost to anyone's ears, clutching a necklace until the very end. Despite his tumultuous past, Rune departed with a soft smile and a serene countenance, leaving behind a lingering sense of peace.

As the memory of Rune's tragic fate floods my mind, tears gather in my eyes and sorrow grips my heart with an iron fist.

I cannot bear the thought of Rune meeting such an end. I am determined, now more than ever, to ensure his survival. His story must not conclude in tragedy, not while I have the power to intervene.

***

Two days had passed since Christina's revelation about the world being an Otome game. Despite the newfound awareness, not much had changed except for Christina's increasing proximity to Rune. While Rune couldn't help but notice the sudden shift and peculiar behavior, he chose to overlook it, finding solace and even joy in Christina's newfound closeness. She had become like a loyal companion, trailing behind him wherever he went—a sight that Rune found endearing and charming.

Reflecting on his fabrication regarding Nox, Rune felt a twinge of guilt, but ultimately, he stood by his decision. He had chosen to shield Christina from the harsh truth of Nox's demise. Crafting a story about Nox finding companionship in a distant land and opting to remain there, Rune watched as Christina mourned the news before gradually accepting Nox's departure from their home. Now, within the walls of their modest abode, only Christina and Rune remained, forging ahead together in their shared solitude.

Christina sat quietly on her bed, her gaze fixed on the floating orbs dancing before her. Frustration gnawed at her as she berated herself for her ignorance. How could she have missed that these orbs were arcane energies, another source of magic in this world besides people's own mana energy?

With a heavy sigh, Christina watched the orbs drift lazily in the air. "Since I can touch them, maybe I can do some magic!" she mused aloud. She resolved to gather the orbs in her palm and experiment with their power. However, before she could make a move, the tranquility of the moment was shattered by the sound of footsteps approaching their home from outside.

Frightened by the ominous sounds outside, Christina pushed the blanket aside and rose to her feet. Her heart raced as she cautiously approached the door, each step heavy with trepidation.

A sudden loud bang echoed through the house, signaling the forceful breach of their front door. Christina froze in fear, her mind racing with thoughts of impending danger. As the chaos unfolded just outside their bedroom door, she trembled not only for her own safety but also for Rune's, who was still outside.

As Christina's hand hovered over the doorknob, Rune's solemn words flooded her thoughts: "Lux, I need you to listen closely, for what I'm about to say is of utmost importance. If our home is invaded, or if you come across any unfamiliar faces lurking nearby... No matter the danger that may befall me, even if I'm in jeopardy or taken captive... I urge you, find a hiding place and keep yourself safe. Your well-being weighs heavier on my heart than my own life. Promise me, you won't risk yourself to save me; your safety is my sole concern."

The weight of his words bore down on her, a heavy burden of responsibility. But in the tumult of her thoughts, the images of Rune's virtual demise and his final, desperate pleas from the game surged forward, clouding her judgment.

Ignoring Rune's stern warning, she seized a pot of plant nearby and flung open the door with a desperate urgency.

Christina flung the door open, her heart pounding with fear, she was met with the sight of a soldier adorned in armor bearing the majestic dragon emblem of the Florareid Kingdom. Before she could react, the soldier lunged forward, stabbing her mercilessly in the chest. Agony seared through her, stealing her breath.

In the chaos of the attack, another soldier struck with brutal precision, slashing his sword across her eyes, shrouding her world in darkness instantaneously. A wave of excruciating pain washed over her, leaving her reeling in agony and disorientation.

As the intensity of the assault overwhelmed her, Christina's mind instinctively sought solace in the one name that brought her comfort and strength. With a feeble whisper, she turned her head toward the direction where she believed Rune was laid down, her voice trembling with anguish, "Ru... ne."

"Lux!" Rune's anguished cry pierced the air, laden with desperation and horror, tears streaming down his face in torrents.

As Christina's lifeless form crumpled to the ground, blood staining the floor in a grotesque tableau of violence and despair, Rune felt his world shatter before him. His worst nightmare unfolded in agonizing slow motion, each moment etching itself into his psyche with searing intensity.

A primal fury, dark and suffocating, surged forth from the depths of Rune's being, engulfing him in a terrifying aura that radiated palpable menace. The air around him grew heavy with dread, sending shivers down the spines of all who bore witness to the unleashed wrath of a broken man.

TO BE CONTINUED