Nightfall shrouded the Crimson Garden. A crimson blood moon ascended from the abyss of darkness into the heavens, extinguishing the stars and silencing the earth.

Beep— "Your resurrection count has been exhausted. You have been defeated."

As the system’s cold, robotic voice echoed, the black-robed youth collapsed to his knees, utterly spent. The shattered blade propping up his battered body trembled violently, on the verge of giving way.

"To dare challenge me alone… your courage is commendable. I admire it. But if you thought you could win? Heh. How naive."

A chilling voice cut through the air. Shuran shakily lifted his head, gazing at the tall, elegant woman beneath the blood moon.

She was Lyasis, the Nightmare Queen—the final boss of *Crimson Garden*, the most difficult raid in the full-dive VR game *Loren Chronicle*.

Her silver-gray hair flowed straight and smooth, radiating cold elegance, dignity, and quiet majesty. Her black lace dress, adorned with intricate cutouts, accentuated her alluring figure. Her ample bosom and long legs sheathed in black silk stockings were equally captivating.

She possessed breathtaking beauty—yet few had ever seen it. Until now, only Shuran had breached the final chamber to witness the Nightmare Queen’s true form.

"Damn it… Do I really have to wait until the official launch?" Shuran murmured inwardly, heavy with regret.

As *Loren Chronicle*'s top assassin during closed beta—and the sole player to reach the Crimson Garden’s depths—Shuran had challenged Lyasis over a thousand times. All ended in defeat. This was his final attempt before server shutdown.

Just as Shuran sighed, waiting for Lyasis to deliver her scripted line—"Human, vanish."—and preparing to log out… the unexpected happened.

The almighty Nightmare Queen did not speak her finale. Instead, she gazed down at the defeated Shuran, lips curving slightly upward.

"Human," Lyasis murmured, voice laced with teasing allure, "do you realize this is the thousandth time you’ve fallen before me?"

"…?"

Shuran froze. *Did I unlock a hidden achievement? Since when does this boss have new lines?*

Wait… a thousand times?

Being mocked directly by the boss… seriously grating.

"Every clash reveals new skills. Every wound you inflict… ah. The memory thrills me. I ache for your next attempt. This growth you bring from the outside world… How I long for it." Lyasis licked her lips. "Perhaps… only you can fulfill my wish."

*What is she saying? And that look… like a masochistic freak?*

A deep dissonance crept into Shuran’s chest.

Though *Loren Chronicle* was a full-dive VR game, NPCs in closed beta were stiff. Yet now—he felt Lyasis’s joy, sorrow, longing. As if she were no NPC, but the true Nightmare Queen from another realm.

"Human."

In a flash, Lyasis stood before him. Her crimson eyes, deeper than the blood moon itself, locked onto his. "How about… making a deal with me?"

Her mature, honeyed voice brushed his ear; her breath warmed his cheek—startlingly real.

Something’s wrong. *Really* wrong.

Shuran’s heart hammered, face flushing—then dread surged.

If new dialogue meant a hidden trigger… this felt like *crossing over*.

He tried to log out. No response. Panic clawed his throat.

Before he could react, the Nightmare Queen shoved him down. With graceful precision, she swept silver strands from her chest, bared pale skin, and drew a shallow cut with a sharp nail. Beads of blood welled like scattered diamonds, dripping slowly.

"W-wait—what are you—"

Lyasis cradled his head, pressing his lips to her chest.

"Mmm—Mmph—"

He couldn’t struggle. Warm liquid trickled into his mouth. Consciousness blurred. His body shifted.

"Why… I was just… playing a game…"

As darkness swallowed him, Lyasis whispered against his ear:

"Accept me… and become 'me'."

...

Eight years later.

Loren Continent. Crimson Garden.

A tall, buxom maid walked the rose-strewn path. Her long, straight black hair flowed like ink; amethyst eyes held mature grace and quiet allure. The classic maid uniform hugged her curves without bulk. The long skirt hid shapely legs, revealing only slender, white-stockinged calves—and a delicate black collar around her neck that stirred primal longing.

Ahead, a petite silver-haired girl with twin tails sat primly on a bench. Her crimson eyes, reflecting the clear sky, held no emotion—only quiet dominion over all she surveyed. Every gesture breathed innate nobility. Even in stillness, she was a vision.

Mistress of the Crimson Garden. Heir to the Nightmare Queen. Lyasis Verlight—Lyasis the Second.

*Miss is as beautiful as ever today,* Suran mused silently, captivated.

Shaking herself free of distraction, she smoothed her uniform. "Miss. It’s time to return."

Her clear, refined voice stirred a faint ripple in Lyasis’s calm eyes.

"Suran." Lyasis smiled, patting the bench beside her. "Come sit with me."

"But Miss," Suran glanced skyward, "you’re nearing your limit."

Night Demons tolerated daylight—but had limits. The previous Queen endured full sun. At fourteen, Lyasis the Second lasted only half a day. Time was running out.

Lyasis chuckled softly. "Suran… have you forgotten your code?"

Suran bowed her head. "No, Miss. I have not."

"And what is it?"

"To remain eternally loyal to Miss. Uphold unwavering faith. Never betray." Each word firm, unwavering.

"Good." Lyasis arched a brow. "Then come."

"…My apologies." Suran lifted her skirt slightly and sat.

Lyasis pillowed her head on Suran’s lap. Silk fabric met soft thigh—a perfect resting place.

"Miss," Suran sighed with a wry smile, "you can’t keep using 'doubting my loyalty' as an excuse to act spoiled."

"What’s the harm?" Lyasis snuggled closer like a smug kitten. "I trust you. You know I pretend. *You’re* the one who gets tense. Not my fault, right?"

"Alright, alright."

Suran’s heart melted. She stroked Lyasis’s hair, brushed her cheek.

*Ah… still so soft, no matter how many times…*

Outwardly, Lyasis enjoyed the lap pillow—but Suran gained just as much.

Such a cute "little kitten" wasn’t for just anyone to pet~

Then—shivers wracked Lyasis’s frame.

"Miss, you’re at your limit. We should—"

"Don’t worry… I can… handle it…" Lyasis breathed raggedly, eyes hazy. "As the future… noble Nightmare Queen… how could I yield to daylight?"

Suran fell silent, honoring her resolve. She waited.

As dusk bled into night, the trembling ceased. Lyasis had broken through. Her daylight endurance had grown.

"…Miss! Congratulations."

Suran caught herself—*Phew. Almost overdid it.*

A single breakthrough meant little to one of royal blood. Over-celebrating would border on disrespect.

Damp with delicate sweat, Lyasis steadied her breath, rose, and wrapped her arms around Suran.

"Suran… I did it." Her face flushed, eyes sparkling. "Can I… have my 'reward'?"

Suran’s cheeks warmed. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, voice low:

"You mean… *that* reward? Alright… I understand."