Top's System The System Awakens

Kei wakes up in a blindingly white void. The emptiness feels infinite, and he can’t see or hear anything besides the faint sound of his own breathing.

Kei opens his eyes, squinting at the brightness.

Kei

(groaning) What the…? Where am I? Did I die?

A smooth, almost amused voice answers from the void.

System [Xue]

Oh, you're very dead, darling. But don't look so grim—it’s not all bad.

Kei

(spinning around) Who said that?! Show yourself!

A figure materializes in front of Kei. Xue, a stunningly androgynous person with sharp features, black hair, and a smug smirk, steps forward. They’re dressed in a sleek, futuristic suit.

System [Xue]

(tilting their head) Hello, Kei. Welcome to the Top’s System. You can call me Xue, your charming guide to... well, your new reality.

Kei

(staring) Top’s System? What is this, some kind of joke?

System [Xue]

(grinning) Oh, I assure you, this is very real. You, my dear, have been selected to join our program. It’s a simple job, really: hop through various worlds and make the male lead fall for you. Easy peasy.

Kei

(blinking) Wait, wait, wait—fall for me? You mean, like... romantically?

System [Xue]

(snapping their fingers) Bingo! You’re a quick learner.

Kei

(scowling) No thanks. I didn’t sign up for this nonsense. Just send me back to my old life.

System [Xue]

(sighing dramatically) Oh, how I love this part. You can’t go back. You’re dead, remember? Splat. Hit by a truck. Super tragic. But lucky for you, this system exists to give you a second chance.

Kei

(glaring) A second chance at what, exactly?

System [Xue]

(smirking) At existing. You see, if you fail the missions, you’ll be obliterated. Poof. Gone. But if you succeed... well, let’s just say there’s a shiny reward at the end.

Kei

(crossing his arms) What kind of reward?

System [Xue]

(leaning closer, voice low) A chance to rewrite your fate. To live again, in a life of your choosing. Tempting, no?

Kei

(hesitant) ...And if I refuse?

System [Xue]

(shrugging) Obliteration. Simple as that.

Kei

(groaning) This is insane.

System [Xue]

(grinning) Oh, it gets better. Ready for your first mission?

Kei

(mutters) Do I have a choice?

System [Xue]

(cheerfully) Nope! Now, listen up. Your first world is a classic medieval fantasy setting. Castles, dragons, knights—the whole package. The male lead is Prince Auren. Shy, sweet, and terribly lonely. Your job? Make him fall head over heels for you.

Kei

(in disbelief) A prince? You want me to seduce royalty?

System [Xue]

(smirking) You catch on quick. Don’t worry, I’ll provide guidance along the way. Now, hold tight—it’s time for your grand entrance!

Kei

(panicking) Wait, wait, I’m not ready—!

Before Kei can protest further, the white void shatters around him. He’s engulfed in light, and the next thing he knows, he’s standing in the middle of a lavish ballroom.

A grand ballroom filled with nobles in extravagant attire. Kei looks down and realizes he’s wearing a princely outfit himself—complete with a sword at his side.

Kei

(muttering) What the hell...

System [Xue]

(voice in his ear) Impressive, right? You clean up nicely.

Kei

(hissing under his breath) You could’ve warned me!

System [Xue]

(ignoring him) Focus, darling. The shy prince is across the room. That’s Auren—the one hiding behind the pillar.

Kei

(spotting Auren) Him? He looks like he’s about to faint.

System [Xue]

(dryly) Precisely. He’s not used to attention. Your job is to change that. Go introduce yourself.

Kei

(gritting his teeth) Fine. But don’t expect me to like this.

Kei strides across the room, feeling the weight of dozens of curious gazes. Auren notices him approaching and freezes like a deer in headlights.

Kei

(offering a polite smile) Good evening, Your Highness. May I have the honor of your name?

Auren

(stammering) I... I’m Prince Auren.

Kei

(bowing slightly) A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I’m Kei.

Auren’s cheeks turn pink as he fidgets nervously.

System [Xue]

(in Kei’s ear): Oh, he’s already blushing. This might be easier than I thought.

Kei

(in his head): Shut up.

Kei extends a hand toward Auren.

Kei

Would you care to dance?

Auren hesitates, his wide eyes flicking between Kei’s hand and his face. After a long pause, he nods shyly.

Auren

(softly) O-Okay.

As Kei leads Auren onto the dance floor, he can’t help but feel the tiniest flicker of accomplishment. The mission has officially begun.

To be continued...