Horror Game That Became a Dating Sim Romance

The horror game dungeon is about to start. But I was convinced it was the ultimate dating sim.

Midnight. A man in red robes strangled me, his fingers icy around my throat, a cruel smile twisting his lips.

In response, I swiftly flipped him over and pinned him on the bed, my hands roaming all over him.

The live chat went wild:

"Holy shit! She actually harassed the Dark God like that!"

I looked down at the man trapped beneath me.

His smile was dazzling now, his broad shoulders and narrow waist dangerously alluring.

Such a beautiful man yet he was the merciless Dark God.

So should I keep going...or run?

While I was hesitating, the man beneath me tugged at my waistband, his voice petulant.

"Darling, since you've already made a move on me, don't even think about backing it."

"Because if you do I'll kill everyone you love."

"Delectable morsel, welcome to the 'Lost Manor' dungeon."

"Initial Players: 17. Current Survivors: 17."

"Game Mission: Survive for seven days to clear the instance."

"Friendly Reminder: Failure means becoming a permanent resident in their stomachs. Enjoy the game!"

As the game loaded, I opened my eyes to find myself in a mist-shrouded, eerie manor.

Taking a few steps inside, the fog thickened.

I could feel the warmth gradually leaching from my body.

"Wow, top-tier dating sim quality. The immersion is insane."

I thought this was a romantic dating sim where I could sweetly interact with various handsome men.

Little did I know, it was a terrifying survival dungeon broadcast to millions.

"Here we go! The 'No Survivors' Manor is live!"

"That newbie girl is pretty. I bet she will last one day."

I carefully recalled the walkthroughs I'd studied.

This manor was supposed to be the place where I would meet the male lead of the dating sim.

Thinking of the blush-inducing scenes described, I quickened my pace towards the mansion.

Inside was pitch black. Forget handsome guys, there wasn't even a decent candle.

Honestly, meeting in this kind of atmosphere could be pretty thrilling.

Leaning against the wall, I shakily opened a door.

Cold air washed over me instantly.

"Home so late you deserve to die, hehehe"

The moment I stepped inside, a pair of small hands reached from behind and tightly gripped my throat.

They were unnaturally pale, almost translucent, blue veins stark beneath the skin.

Stunned for a moment, I instinctively pulled the child into my arms.

A child? Did my role just become a stepmom?

Before I could think futher, my heart ached seeing the bruises and burns covering his arms.

"What happened? Who hurt you?"

My nose twitched, catching a faint scent of blood. Anxiously, I asked, "Where are you hurt? Say something! You're going to worry Mommy!"

The little boy's face was mottled purple, his grin stretching unnaturally wide. For a second, it seemed to falter.

The live chat went wild again:

"OMG, what is she doing? Trying to mommy a specter?"

"Shit! open your damn eyes! That's one of the dungeon bosses!"

"That blood smell? It's not his injury. It's from snapping players' necks!"

"Don't worry, she's toast when he gets home."

Sadly, I couldn't see the chat.

Holding the boy, I moved further in, searching frantically for a first-aid kit.

The hands on my throat loosened without me noticing.

Sensing his confusion, I gently placed him on a sofa.

Finding a warm cloth, I carefully wiped the blood from his face.

Now I could see he was actually an adorable little boy.

I grabbed the med kit, tenderly cleaning the wounds on his arms.

"So many burns this must hurt terribly."

The boy shyly pulled his hands back, turning away with red-rimmed eyes .

"I'm a big boy. I don't cry."

His soft, sweet voice melted my heart.

I ruffled his hair and whispered gently.

"Sweetie, go play outside for a bit."

He left, glancing back every few steps, clearly reluctant.

Once he was gone, I sighed in relief and hurried to the bathroom to splash water on my face.

A child shouldn't be present for my romantic encounter with the male lead.

Looking up, I saw condensation fogging the mirror.

Words in glaring, blood-red letters appeared:

"Delectable morsel see you tonight."

He was here! My devastatingly handsome husband had finally arrived!

To welcome him, I freshened up and even spritzed on perfume.

But by midnight, he still hadn't shown.

Damn it! Standing me up? I cursed under my breath and eventually fell asleep.

Sometime later, I felt an icy hand closed around my throat.

Seriously? Again?

As I started to open my eyes, he leaned in, icy lips brushing my ear.

His breath was like winter frost.

"Fascinating you survived Ethan."

"Guess I'll finish you. Let's see what's your preferred way to die?"

Good Lord, that voice!

Right then and there, I was ready to fall in love.

Heart pounding, hands trembling, I opened my eyes eagerly.

Holy crap! A stunningly misplaced-featuredhandome man?

My smile froze for a second. The chat started mourning me:

"AAAAH! The Faceless Dark God! Sanity plummeting!"

"He's here! The Dark God brings death!"

"Tremble, little snack. One bite and you're gone."

I swallowed hard.

Gotta admit, the dating sim love interest's entrance was unique.

The man slowly raised his hand, his long fingers stroking my neck, back and forth.

As if savoring the blood flowing beneath my skin.

He looked down. Half his face was hidden by the loose hair.

The blood-red robe stood in stark contrast to that blonde silk.

My breathing hitched.

My gaze drifted lower, catching glimpses of defined abs beneath the crimson silk.

Damn. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, eight-pack.

That physique? Definitely my darling husband material.

As for the challenging facial arrangement

Pfft! Minor detail. Clearly, it was a test of my devotion!

Thinking this, I swiftly flipped him over and pinned him on the bed.

My left hand braced beside his head, my right gripping his robe.

My voice thick with accusation.

"What took you so long? Let's get this romance started!"

The crimson entity: "?"

The chat paused momentarily.

"Help! What the hell is she saying?"

"She's insane. She's gonna die so badly.."

"Wait is the Dark God blushing?"

As a seasoned dating sim player,

Step one: Close the distance!

I lowered my eyes coyly, freeing the hand that had been on his abs to intertwine our fingers.

He flinched slightly, trying to pull away.

I seized the chance to pinch his cheek, my eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I've never met one quite like you."

Sure, his features were scrambled, but it wasn't scary.

My best friend Stacy, who was the beauty-obsessed one, had personally confirmed this guy's looks.

The only explanation? This was the male lead's test!

The thought thrilled me. Dating sims? I was a pro.

"Sweetheart, is this look your way of testing my sincerity?"

"You're such an adorable little tease."

"Mind if I call you 'hubby'? If you do, you can call me 'wifey' instead."

"..."

The crimson entity stared, dumbfounded.

He hesitated, then lightly brushed a hand over his face.

In moments, a sharply handsome face appeared before me.

See! I told you! It was a test!

My brilliant intuition!

Maybe my gaze was too intense. Julian Yates stiffened.

He gave me a complex look, trying to melt back into the mirror.

I moved fast, grabbing a fistful of his hair.

"We've already shared a bed. Don't tell me you're having second thoughts now."

He entity flushed.

He stammered, "N-no...It's not that."

I covered my mouth with a giggle, then looped my arm through his, batting my lashes.

"I knew it! Our love is mutual!"

Pausing briefly, I fluttered my lashes and asked,

"Sweetheart, we've been chatting, but I don't even know your name."

He answered dazedly,

"Julian Yates."

Perfect! Sounded exactly like a dating sim lead!

I silently repeated the name.

Tilting my chin up, I smiled and pointed at the luxurious bed.

"Julian, since everything is ready, let's sleep."

Julian's face burned crimson, stammering again.

"S-sleep?"

Step two: Create opportunities for close contact with the male lead.

Seeing his hesitation, I quickly feigned disappointment.

"You don't want to?"

Julian stared at me, then grinneda strange, captivating mix of eerie and handsome.

"Of course I do. Just hope you won't regret it later, darling."

Satisfied, I pushed him onto the bed and snuggled into his arms.

He stiffened, his blue eyes narrowing dangerously as they watched me.

Ahhh, that intense stare is so hot!

"Silly man! What are you waiting for? Hold me!"

Hesitantly, Julian placed a hand on my waist, pulling me close.

The movement was stiff and unpracticed.

I hid a smile. Progress! Clearing the game was within reach.

Unaware, the chat was imploding:

"Sophia Young, you must be really crazy! Anything goes!"

"Though, gotta admit, that Dark God is kinda distinguished?"

"Isn't this a horror survival instance? Did I click on a dating show?"

"Told you not to wake up early! Now I've seen the Dark God blushing!"