“I… I can’t make sense of this either,” Master Alchemist Violanda muttered, her lips twitching slightly as she shook her head. But beneath her calm exterior, she understood the situation all too well.

  In the game, Pixie had indeed forgotten her emotions—no love, no grievances. But the real-world Pixie was a different story.

  Right now, in reality, Pixie was holding her breath, controlling a character stripped of emotions, all for the sole purpose of confronting Eirik, this “scumbag.”

  Violanda, a player herself, was well-versed in this sort of scenario. Though she had kept herself hidden in the shadows, her observations had revealed the existence of a world channel buzzing with players like Pixie and Selene.

  They were all engaged in heated discussions, and after eavesdropping on their conversations, Violanda slowly pieced together what this so-called simulation game was really about.

  “A simulation, over and over again? How fascinating…” Her curiosity about Eirik only deepened. A gold card that could aid in magical cultivation? This kid was too valuable; in the next life, she’d definitely claim him for herself!

  Aelsryel City might be a backwater compared to her status as a Master Alchemist, but the other players there all thought Eirik was a scoundrel—a faithless wretch. Only Violanda knew the truth. That was her advantage.

  Violanda hadn’t said a word in the world channel. It was pointless. No need to engage with those beneath her. She simply observed, silently watching from her elevated vantage point.

  Meanwhile, Eirik was feeling a bit defeated. If Pixie continued to be hostile toward him, how could he help her become the strongest in the universe?

  His original plan had been simple: despite their lack of emotions, they could still collaborate for mutual benefit. After all, his Elemental Absorption talent was incredibly valuable. Someone without emotions wouldn’t kill him for selfish reasons. But now, everything was spiraling out of control. Did he really want to play the role of the mindless villain who kept getting himself killed?

  In countless novels, there’s always that villain archetype—the scoundrel who accumulates treasures and opportunities only to foolishly provoke the protagonist and lose it all. Over and over again, he’d give away his wealth, oblivious to his own folly.

  “Damn it, this role is too restrictive. I’d rather let Pixie kill me than keep playing this garbage character! Maybe I should just restart!” Eirik groaned inwardly, cursing the system. Was it out to get him?

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  He’d gone through all this effort to set up this drama, to keep this save file going. But now, it seemed like a restart was the better option.

  Frustrated, he found an excuse to send the Master Alchemist away and went into seclusion, skipping days, doing nothing but waiting for Pixie to come knocking.

  Sure enough, within half a month, Pixie arrived at his door.

  [On this day, the rain fell incessantly, and the dark, lead-gray clouds seemed ready to crush Elaresar City. Standing on the edge of the storm, Pixie—now Sister Adelina—glared coldly at him.]

  [“Pixie, we don’t need to be enemies. With my abilities, I can greatly assist your magical studies!”] Eirik tried one last time, hoping for a breakthrough.

  Upon hearing his words, Pixie’s anger flared. How dare this scumbag try to deceive her once more?

  “That bastard wants to trick me again!” she thought, drawing her magical sword. A roar like that of a dragon rang out. Her sword, crackling with energy, outshone the lightning in the clouds, illuminating the stormy night as she charged at him with terrifying momentum.

  Sigh... Was there really no way out?

  In the game, this woman’s icy gaze, filled with murderous intent, struck fear into his heart.

  Pixie was undeniably powerful now, but Eirik’s own strength seemed greater. At this moment, he was faced with a choice…

  [1. Fight back with everything you’ve got and slay her.]

  [2. Flee as fast as you can.]

  [3. Pretend to surrender and accept your death.]

  “Option 3! Suicide restart!” Eirik didn’t hesitate.

  He briefly considered option 1, but decided against it. Even if he died, Pixie would still live on, continuing to grow stronger. He could still claim the rewards later. Besides… in this new life, Pixie’s path would be tragic—betrayed by him, but she’d have her revenge. Let her kill him now. It would be a fitting payback.

  A fierce battle erupted between them, shaking the very foundations of Elaresar City, causing tremors that even caught the attention of Raedric, the emperor of the Dawnstar Dynasty.

  To avoid interference, Raedric led Pixie away from the city, out to the outskirts where a field of violets awaited.

  A more intense battle followed. Pixie’s strength was impressive—among Savant Lv4, she truly stood out.

  [After a long while, a mournful cry pierced the air as Eirik’s magical staff shattered, and he plummeted like a meteor from the sky.]

  [“You’ve lost,” Pixie said coldly, stepping toward him, bloodied and battered.]

  [“I’m sorry, Pip. Just kill me,” Eirik said quietly, closing his eyes.]

  “Has this jerk finally lost?!” Pixie felt a twinge of emotion.

  At last, she could get her revenge.

  From Pixie’s perspective, Eirik knelt, his long hair disheveled, his face pale and smeared with blood, exuding a sense of despair and weariness.

  His shattered staff lay nearby, the gem missing, leaving only the broken shaft abandoned on the ground. That staff had once been a gift from her, given years ago.

  “Am I really going to kill him?” Pixie questioned herself, her eyes misting over.

  She felt a sudden hesitation. Eirik had once been so kind to her. They had been the perfect couple—how had it come to this?

  Did her husband have his reasons?

  “Hey, Pip, what are you waiting for? Strike now! That bastard wants your life; give it back to him!”

  Someone in the world channel urged her on.

  “Seriously, you’re not going to kill him? Are you the legendary love-struck fool?”

  “You don’t understand. I’m not a fool; I’m just wondering if killing him would be too much of a waste…” Pixie blushed, defensively shaking her head.