The game has become a real alternate world

Safro Kingdom.

Perhaps due to the constant heavy clouds in the sky, even at night, it feels deeper here than outside.

Looking up, the sky is pure black. Not a single star can be seen, only occasionally a crack, like a tear in the dark fabric, through which one might glimpse a sliver of the moon.

Inside Giant Rock City.

This is a large city north of the Royal Capital.

A magnificent castle stands at the edge of the city, near the top of a cliff.

The castle appears to be the highest point in the city and the residence of its leader.

On the top of one tower, there is a window emitting a bright, warm golden light.

Peering inside through the open window.

A splendid golden hall, filled with intricate elements of gold and blood-red.

Screams echo from within the hall.

The heavy scent of blood lingers in the hall, refusing to dissipate.

A skinned humanoid creature hangs in the middle of the hall.

The screams come from his mouth, and the skin from his neck down to his abdomen is flayed like clothing, revealing the flesh beneath.

Blood streams down from his body, flowing over his legs, pooling on the tips of his toes, and dripping onto the floor.

He screams, but his voice is weak.

A noblewoman, dressed in extravagant red and white attire, walks around his body.

The noblewoman's skin looks smooth and tender, with a hint of pink.

Compared to most of the Blood Race in the city, she appears more human, though her skin is paler.

Her crimson lips seem painted with fresh blood.

Her slightly red eyes gaze appreciatively at her masterpiece before her.

In her hands, she holds different knives, appearing exquisitely crafted, with traces of magic flowing over them.

"Darling, scream a bit more melodiously."

She speaks softly, as if whispering sweet nothings into a lover's ear.

Raising the knife in her hand, she gently slides it down from the incision.

"Oh, yes, more melodiously, your voice is like the morning song of a warbler." The noblewoman's face flushes with a sickly red, her eyes revealing a dazed look.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

A knock on the door came.

"Enter!"

The door opens, and a pale Blood Race Knight in heavy blood-colored armor, with a treasure sword at his waist, walks in.

He glances at the humanoid hanging in the hall, his expression unmoved, seemingly accustomed to it.

He bends down and salutes.

"Your Highness, the Princess."

"Is there a problem, my loyal Knight?" she asks softly, turning her head with a smile.

A touch of innocence mixed with a hint of allure makes her look captivating, if one ignores the surrounding environment.

The Knight nods, his face stern and impassive.

"The transport expected to arrive at noon, as well as the elite squad supposed to report back in the morning, have not returned yet."

The girl addressed as the Princess waves her knife, her eyes fixed on her work, seemingly indifferent as she casually remarks, "You can investigate such trivial matters yourself; there's no need to report everything to me."

The Knight shakes his head and continues, "Moreover, the materials meant for the Princess's Alchemy Room have also not arrived by yesterday afternoon.

Six scouting teams have gone missing over the past few days."

Hearing this, the Princess finally shifts her attention and embeds the knife directly into the creature's thigh.

Another muffled scream follows.

Staring at the Knight, the Princess approaches him and circles around twice.

"Then why... are you only reporting now?"

Hearing her inquiry, the Knight reports truthfully, "Everyone who came to report yesterday noon and this noon was turned away.

You should have known about the earliest report."

"Oh? Is that so?" The Princess covers her mouth with her hand, feigning surprise.

"Yes."

"Alright then, it seems I've been too relaxed." She smiles, wrapping her arms around the Knight's neck.

She leans into his ear, breathing gently.

"Then go find them, I'll leave this matter in your hands."

She finishes and gently kisses the Knight's chin, leaving a lip print there.

Standing up, she gives the Knight a push and pats his armor-covered chest: "Go now, my Knight, don't disappoint me."

The Knight nods, saluting respectfully.

As he reaches the door, about to leave, the Princess's voice comes from behind.

"Oh, I forgot to remind you, don't call that woman Princess anymore.

She's quite resentful of it now, and if she hears it, I can't save you, even if you're my favorite Knight.

Remember?"

The Knight turns and salutes: "Thank you for the reminder, Princess."

"Mm, go now." She lightly waves her hand.

Once the door closes, she stands there in silence for a while, seemingly contemplating something.

Soon after, she dismisses it, turning around to look behind her.

"Hmm? I forgot to cast a recovery spell on you, sorry darling."

She speaks sorrowfully.

The half-skinned man hanging in the hall behind her is no longer breathing, with only a look of release on his face.

In the puddle of droplets beneath him, the blood seems to form some kind of unknown symbol.