[Initiating host selection process…]

[Scanning worlds…]

[Searching for compatible host…]

[Compatible host identified…]

[Soul synchronization in progress…]

[Warning: Target possesses high survival instinct, unstable emotional attachment, and extreme willpower…]

[Compatibility rate… 72%… 81%… 94%…]

[Host confirmed…]

[Initiating binding process with host…]

[Assassin system 001…]

———————————————

The city glowed with its usual sunny glow.

Luxury cars lined the streets while cameras flashed outside the grandest hotel in Ashbourne State. Tonight, the most spectacular wedding of the century was taking place.

Inside a sleek black Rolls-Royce, Camilla Blake sat silently in her wedding dress.

The diamond ring on her finger sparkled beneath the city lights, but her expression remained distant as she gazed out the tinted window.

At twenty-nine, she was everything the world envied.

The youngest CEO in the country.

The richest woman in the state.

A business genius feared by competitors and adored by investors.

And tonight… she was finally marrying the man she loved. People called her the golden star of Ashbourne State.

"Miss Blake, we'll arrive in seven minutes," the driver said carefully.

Camilla nodded slightly.

Her phone vibrated beside her, pulling her out of her thoughts. A small smile finally appeared on her face as she looked at the name on the screen.

"The bride and the groom are not supposed to talk to each other before the wedding," Camilla said softly, giggling.

"Hurry up and become my wife then, I'm missing you so much already."

She laughed softly. "I'm on my way to the hotel now, so just be a little more patient."

"Urrgghhh," he groaned dramatically. "I will try and be patient. I'm waiting for you."

"I'll be there," she said before hanging up.

For the first time in years, the pressure on her chest felt lighter.

"Maybe happiness really is possible," she whispered softly with a gentle smile that made her blue eyes sparkle.

As the car continued down the road, a deafening horn blared.

The driver's eyes widened as a truck rammed directly into the side of the vehicle.

"MISS BLAKE…" the driver called out as metal screamed in violent protest against metal, and the car spun.

[Binding process…21%…57%…76%…]

Camilla felt warmth dripping down her forehead as she was trapped inside the overturned vehicle. Her luxurious white gown was stained with blood, and the sound of shouting and calling for help echoed in the distance.

She tried to move but couldn't as her consciousness began to slip away.

'Just when I thought I was finally able to achieve happiness, is this how it ends?' she wondered.

'What was all that hard work and suffering for?'

'Is this it for me?' she pondered as her consciousness faded.

[Binding process…100%]

[Host consciousness detected.]

[Notice: Host has been selected for the Survival Redemption Program.]

[Rule 1: Complete missions to earn survival points.]

[Rule 2: Eliminate designated targets.]

[Rule 3: Failure results in permanent death across all worlds.]

[Notice: Soul Synchronization complete…]

Camilla opened her eyes slowly as the sunlight hit her face.

"What happened? Where am I?" she whispered, looking around the dusty, dirty shed she was in.

She bolted up, suddenly remembering the accident. She ran her hands through her face and body. "What's going on? Wasn't there a crash?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by a woman barging into the shed. "How long are you going to keep sleeping? If you don't want to be flogged 50 times, you'd better get out there and get to work," the woman ordered.

Camilla looked at her with confusion. "Who are you? And why are you dressed like an old hag in a 1990s Halloween costume?" Camilla sneered, inspecting her attire, which was a kimono like garment made of soft fabrics flowing to the floor with sleeves that draped past her wrists.

"Huh? Have you finally gone mad, you disrespectful wretch?" the woman yelled, slapping Camilla's face.

"How dare you lay your filthy hands on me?" Camilla yelled, slapping the woman back with full force. The woman cried out and fell to the ground.

"You mad dog, you've really lost your mind. Maybe some flogging will bring you back to your senses," she said.

"What?" Camilla exclaimed in disbelief.

"Guards!" the woman yelled as two men dressed in similar ancient-style kimonos, which were stiffer and more masculine, entered the shed.

"Drag that disrespectful piece of trash and flog her 100 times," the woman commanded.

"Yes, ma'am," the two men responded, grabbing Camilla and beginning to drag her out.

"What the fuck are you doing? Get your filthy hands off me, Mark! Joanne!" Camilla yelled, calling out to her assistants.

The two men continued to drag her toward an unknown place, with the old woman following behind. She passed by ladies dressed similarly but in plain, worn out garments. Looking at herself, Camilla realized she was no longer in her wedding dress but dressed in the same plain, worn out attire.

"Urgh, who put these fashion disasters on me? I'm going to sue all of you! Stop it, let me go, you're hurting me! Why are you doing this? I'm going to fucking sue you all! You'll rot in prison forever if you don't let me go this instant," she yelled and struggled, but they ignored her and kept dragging her on the grimy ground.

"Who paid you to kidnap me? Are you sex traffickers? Who are you, assholes? I'll pay you double whatever you were paid, just let me go! I have a wedding to attend!"

"Hahaha, you, a worthless maid, will pay double what I was paid?" the woman laughed, grabbing Camilla by the chin.

"Just because the commander of the guards is interested in you doesn't mean you can do as you please. I'm in charge of you, and I'll make sure you don't forget that," she said, slapping Camilla's face.

They arrived at a dreadful-looking place and laid Camilla flat on her chest on a wooden platform, tying her hands and feet to a wooden post, and they each picked a stick that was placed on the side.

"Flog some manners into that worthless thing," the woman ordered, and the men began whipping her.

Camilla's screams echoed through the courtyard as the flogging continued. The sound of the stick hitting her echoed in the yard.

"What are you doing? Put your backs into it," the woman commanded, and the men increased their force.

'Why is this happening to me? What have I done to deserve this? Someone, please save me. I was just about to marry the love of my life, claim my happiness, so why now? Why is this happening? I thought I was about to start my life and find my happy ending, but I'll end up being whipped to death by strangers. What is this place? Who are these people?' Camilla wondered as she continued to scream.

She screamed so loudly that she eventually lost her voice and consciousness.

Camilla slowly opened her eyes, regaining consciousness.

'What happened? Was that a bad dream?' she wondered as she bolted up as the view of the familiar surroundings caught her eyes.

"Oh no! I'm here again," Camilla exclaimed as she looked at the old, dusty shed where she had previously woken.

"How long are you going to keep sleeping? If you don't want to be flogged 50 times, you'd better get out there and get to work," a familiar voice called.

Camilla looked at the woman, her eyes widening in shock, cold sweat breaking out on her face.

'It's the same woman again. Am I going crazy, or did this just happen?'

'What's going on? Where am I? Did I die? Am I in hell?'

'What's going on? Am I going crazy, or did this just happen?' Camilla pondered as she took deep breaths, cold sweat breaking out on her body. 'What's happening? Where am I? Am I dead? Am I in hell? This must be hell, right? I died on my wedding day… I remember… I died… and now I'm here in this hell… to die again!' Camilla panicked.

[Host revived, one life down, two life chances remaining.]

[Host has been selected for the Survival Redemption Program.]

[Rule 1: Complete missions to earn survival points.]

[Rule 2: Eliminate designated targets.]

[Rule 3: Failure equals permanent death across all worlds.]

'What? Where is that sound coming from?' Camilla wondered as she looked around.

"It's coming from your mind," a voice echoed in her head.

"I must be going crazy. That's the only reason why I'm hearing voices in my mind," Camilla whispered to herself.

"You are not going crazy because I'm actually in your mind. Good day, Host 007, Camilla Blake. I am your system guide in the Survival Redemption Program."

"What the hell?" Camilla yelled in confusion.

"You got in an accident on your wedding day and now you are in a coma, soon to be dead. You were given another chance to survive. All you have to do is do what the system asks of you, earn enough survival points, and you can buy your way out of this world," the voice said.

"What? How? Who the hell is talking?" Camilla yelled out loud.

"Forget about me for now and try to survive. You have two lives more, and you will really be dead forever if you use up your chances."

"You disrespectful wretch, I'm talking to you and you are ignoring me and talking to yourself? Have you finally gone mad?" the woman yelled with disdain.

'Ohh, that's true. I forgot about her. This woman is going to have me killed again. How do I escape from this?' Camilla pondered with fear written all over her face.

"Ignore you? I could never. I just had a bad dream, so I was talking to myself. I'll get back to work now," Camilla said as she fell to her knees pleading.

'Gosh, this is so embarrassing. I have to figure out what's going on, but first I have to get rid of this old hag and make sure she doesn't have me beaten to death again, even if it means kissing her ass. It's my precious life after all. I'll do anything to survive, and when I figure out what is going on and how to get out of here, I will beat her to death the way she had me beaten,' Camilla thought to herself as she bit her lower lip.

"Good, you have finally learnt your place. Get to work now," the woman ordered as she walked away.

Camilla breathed a sigh of relief. "Crisis averted."

"That was well played, but you will have to do better than that if you want to survive and go back to your world," the voice said.

Camilla walked to the door and closed it shut. "Okay, show yourself and give me a proper explanation."

"I don't have a form," the voice said.

"Well, you'd better get one right now because I cannot and will not be talking to the air," Camilla demanded.

The voice let out a frustrated sigh. "Very well, if that is what you wish, I will take on a form that is easier for you to communicate with since you are so simple-minded," the voice said, and a light appeared in the middle of the room, revealing a little blue fox.

Camilla looked at it in confusion. "A baby fox…"

"Humans find it easier to communicate with beings that have this form," the fox said.

"No, we don't…" Camilla shot back.

"Then I will return to being without form."

"No, the fox is fine," Camilla responded. "So can you tell me what the fuck is going on now?"

"You were in an accident, and that placed you in a coma in your world. Your soul was selected for the Survival Redemption Program," the fox said as it walked up to the wooden bed.

"What is the Survival Redemption Program, and how can I go back to my world?" Camilla asked.

"It's a program that helps humans who met their end in an unjust way to have a chance to live again. If you want to go back to your world alive, you will have to complete a set of missions and earn points to return to your world. Failure to complete any mission will result in death in both worlds, and you have two more chances to live. If both chances are used up, you will die in both worlds as well," the fox explained.

"So let me get this straight. I'm dead but in a coma in my own world, and I have a chance to go back if I earn points by completing missions. And if I fail, I will die for real, and if I die two more times here, I will also die for real?" Camilla asked.

"Look at that," the fox said, licking its paws. "The CEO can do basic math. Congratulations. Want a gold star, or should we focus on the fact that you're currently the lowest-ranking dirt-sweeper in this entire palace?"

"You little…" Camilla said in frustration before taking a deep breath. "So how do I know I've completed a mission? Where do I see a mission, and how do I see my points?"

"You can see your missions and points in your system by saying 'Open System' out loud or in your mind," the fox said.

"Open System," Camilla said, and an interface popped up.

[Host 007: Camilla Blake]

[Soul Synchronization Completed]

[Total Points: 0]

[Current Mission: __]

[Available Mission: Main Mission 01]

"This is crazy," Camilla scoffed.

"Believe it or not, your choice. Only you can see your system. You can also check your props and tools in the inventory," the fox said.

"And I guess I can see the inventory by saying 'Open Inventory'?" Camilla asked.

"Finally, the CEO is catching up," the fox mocked as it continued to lick its paw.

"I need to sit down," Camilla said as she collapsed on the wooden bed. "Ouch." She flinched as her butt hit the hard bed.

"I can't believe this is happening to me… I guess I don't have time to wallow in disbelief," Camilla said as she got back up.

"That's the spirit," the fox said.

"So what's the first mission?"

"You will see that when you say, 'Accept Available Mission,'" the fox instructed.

"Okay, here goes nothing. Accept Available Mission," Camilla said.

[Available Mission: Main Mission 01 Accepted…]

[Host 007: Camilla Blake]

[Soul Synchronization Completed]

[Total Points: 0]

[Current Mission: Assassinate the Current King]

[Mission Reward: 2,500,000 Points]

[Failure to Complete: Death]

"What? I should assassinate the current king?"

[Main Mission 01: Accepted]

[Target: Assassinate the King of Astravian]

[Mission Reward: 2,500,000 Points]

[Time limit: 150days]

[Penalty for Failure: Absolute Death]

The glowing blue text burned into Camilla's retinas before fracturing into tiny particles of light.

"You want me to kill someone? Like a real breathing living being? And in 150days? I can't do that! I haven't even killed a roach before talk more of a person? Not just anyone, A king! That's impossible! Give me another mission to do and I'll do it

"Reject mission, switch mission."Camilla said out loud talking to her system

"I'm afraid it doesn't work like that, miss CEO." the fox said

" Once you accept a mission, you can't switch or reject you and you must do what ever the system asks you to do or you die permanently."

"But that's not fair and that's murder! And beside I got beaten to death just for slapping a person, what will happen to me when I kill a person and a king of a real actual kingdom! I'll probably be boiled to death or worst'"

"That's why you are supposed to be smart about it and make sure you don't get caught, you can buy weapons from the inventory that youcan use. There are also undetectable poisons you can use but unfortunately youdon't have enough points to buy it from the inventory."

"Arrggg so what youare saying is if I don't do this I'm dead and if I do it and get caught, I'm still dead ?? Gosh who did I offend In my past life to deserve this?? Okey don't answer that question it was rhetorical." Camilla said

"And this undetectable poison you speak of, how do I get enough points to get it?"

"The system usually gives side quests to help youearn points to be used for your main quest so all you have to do is wait for a side quest." the fox said

"You are a system guide, aren't you suppose to grant me a starter pack?, a legendary sword?, a drop of dragon blood or something?"

"For a CEO, you are quite dumb to think it will be that easy , the system doesn't hand out cheat codes."the fox jeered

"Urgh…. Then how am I supposed to do this or even get close enough to the king to kill him?" She snapped lowering her voice as she heard heavy footsteps shuffling outside the courtyard. "I am a maid in a shed. I don't know the layout of this palace. I don't know anyone or anything about this place. I don't even know what the King looks like!"

"Then I suggest you start scrubbing some laundry or making a plan, that's if you can," the fox said. "Though, because I am a merciful guide, I will give you a tiny hint for free."

Camilla rolled her eyes.' Stupid fox.' she thought

" I heard that, I guess I will keep my hint to myself."

"I'm sorry.. You are such a wonderful guide." She pleaded.

"The King doesn't look at the dirt-sweepers. If you want to get within striking distance, you need to climb the servant hierarchy. Indoor maid. Personal attendant. Royal cupbearer. Figure it out."

"Is that it?" Camilla asked,

"Yes, that's all." The fox responded

"That wasn't helpful at all you stupid fox," Camilla yelled

"Then figure it out you fake CEO." The fox retorted.

"I'm an executive, not a hitman. Open system! Give me a map, a dossier, anything!"

The blue fox sitting on the dirt floor didn't look up. It casually licked a speck of dust from its paw, its fur gleaming a strange, iridescent azure in the dark shed.

"Don't waste your breath yelling at the air, CEO," the fox's voice echoed, sharp and dripping with sarcasm. "You want a map? Buy it. You want weapons? Earn them."

"You're my guide, aren't you?" Camilla snapped, dropping to her knees so she was eye-level with the creature. The smell of rotting straw and damp earth filled her nose, "Act like one. Where am I? At least you can tell me that right?"

The fox paused, its slit-like eyes locking onto hers with sudden, chilling seriousness. "Fine. Welcome to the Kingdom of Astravian. This is a monolithic imperial monarchy built on blood and paranoia. The King you're supposed to kill, King William Astrave, survives by executing anyone who breathes too loudly near his chambers. The entire palace is a labyrinth of factions, royal concubines, High official ministers, eunuch administrators, and a brutal military elite while you are just a maid in the palace."

"So I'm a maid in the palace… that's a start I guess.How am I supposed to get close to a king when I'm stuck in a shed as a maid?"

"That's for your brilliant corporate brain to figure out," the fox purred, stepping closer and tapping its tail against her knee. "But here's a free warning because I don't want you wasting Life Number Two yet. Look at your hands. Look at your clothes. You are a nameless laundry maid. In this kingdom, if you step onto the wrong path or look a noble in the eye, the guards will cut your throat before you can say 'objection.' So keep your head down, learn the layout, and find a ladder."

Before Camilla could reply, the heavy wooden door was kicked open.

"Are you still here you lazy piece of trash!" a harsh voice barked. The stern woman with graying hair tied back in a brutal knot from before stood there, holding a thick wooden discipline rod. "The wash basins are already overflowing. If the Noble Consort's linens aren't scrubbed by noon, I'll personally skin your back!"

Camilla swallowed the urge to order the woman fired. She stood up, her joints popping, and felt the raw, throbbing ache in her lower back, a terrifying sensory reminder of the whipping that had killed her in the previous timeline.

"I'm going," Camilla said, keeping her voice even as she stepped past the woman into the massive stone courtyard.

The courtyard was a chaotic maze of gray stone walls, rising steam, and shouting servants. Dozens of women in plain, kimono-like dresses were bent over giant wooden troughs, scrubbing heavy fabric. The overwhelming stench of harsh lye soap and damp wool hit Camilla's senses, making her cough.

She approached an empty wooden tub, her eyes darting around, trying to memorize the entry and exit points. The geography was entirely foreign. Towering golden spires loomed in the distance beyond the inner walls, completely cut off from the servants' sector by heavy iron gates.

"Look who decided to show her face," a sharp voice hissed from her left.

A maid with a vicious sneer deliberately dumped a bucket of filthy, freezing water right over Camilla's worn-out leather shoes. The icy chill soaked through the thin fabric, making her teeth chatter.

"Did the scolding from the head maid turn your brain to mush?" the maid mocked, leaning close. Two other girls behind her giggled, crossing their arms. "You think just because the Commander looked at you, you're special? You're just a dirt-sweeper, Camilla. Know your place."

"So I'm also known as Camilla in this world..." She whispered

"What are you whispering to yourself?" The maid asked in annoyance.

Without a word, Camilla lifted a heavy, water-logged sheet from her tub. With a sudden, explosive twist of her torso, she whipped the heavy, freezing fabric straight across the mocking maid's face.

Smack!

The wet sheet wrapped around the girl's head, sending her slipping backward on the wet cobblestones. She hit the ground with a loud thud, groaning as she covered her bruised nose.

"Ouch." The maid cried out

"Oh, I am so sorry," Camilla said, her voice completely filled with mockery, her blue eyes flashing with cold authority. "The fabric is just so heavy today. My hands slipped." she jeered as a sly smile spread across her face.

The other maids gasped, stepping back in fear.

"What is going on here?" A deep, commanding voice boomed through the courtyard. The maids instantly bowed, their faces buried to the ground. Camilla bowed as well.

'Shit! Who is it this time around, i hope I can get out of this unscathed.' She wondered

A tall, broad-shouldered man in gleaming silver armor walked through the archway. A heavy broadsword hung at his hip, and his dark cloak billowed slightly in the wind.

"Commander," the head maid stammered, bowing low.

'Commander?' Camilla pondered

The man ignored the Maid, his eyes scanning the scene until they landed directly on Camilla. He stepped over the wet stones, stopping right in front of her tub. The faint scent of leather and polished steel drifted from him.

"Are you causing trouble again, Camilla?" he asked. His voice wasn't angry; it was surprisingly gentle, a quiet undertone of concern cutting through his stern demeanor.

'Am I hallucinating or is he concerned about me? Is he the guard that they keep saying is fond of me.' she wondered.

'If that is so then he will make a great asset to my survival.' she speculated

She lowered her gaze just enough to look submissive, letting a slight, vulnerable tremble enter her voice. "The stones are slippery, sir. I lost my footing, and the sheet caught her by accident. I only wish to do my duties."

The Commander stared at her for a long, silent moment. He reached down, his large, calloused hand lightly gripping her elbow, ushering her to look up. The warmth of his touch was startling against the freezing air.

Camilla followed his gesture and looked at the man, her eyes glittering with surprise as she saw him. He stood tall. His skin was sun-kissed and he had a well built body, with a sharply chiseled jaw that gave his face a cold, striking edge. Dark strands of hair framed his features before disappearing into a loose ponytail that rested against the nape of his neck.

Her eyes locked onto his deep crimson eyes that looked like they were about to pierce her soul.

"Be careful," he murmured, leaning slightly closer so only she could hear before returning to a stern position.

"The inner court is preparing for the Spring Festival. Noble Consort will be selecting new attendants from the outer departments so you all had better be wise to keep on your best behavior." Darl announced

"Yes, Commander Darl." The maids replied in unison

'So his name is Darl.' Camilla pondered.

He turned on his heel, his armor clanking as he marched away, shouting orders to the guards at the gate.

"Well, well," the fox's voice purred in her mind as he appeared near the base of her wooden tub. "Look at you using your charms on the Commander. Clever girl. He just handed you the key you need ."

'The Noble consort?' Camilla responded

"Exactly, she is your key to getting close to the king."

'How do I get selected by this Consort?' Camilla inquires, gripping the edge of the tub.

"The Noble Consort comes from a military background," the fox replied. "She usually indulges in the game of Go. Winners get rewarded, of course, maids don't participate but if you can get close enough and win her, maybe you can get her attention."

' What the fuck is Go?' Camilla asks

Camilla's inventory popped up and an ancient manual appeared in a box, the cover reading The Sovereign's Grid.

"There, out of generosity, I will give this to you for free." the fox said, . "Learn the rules of the game and beat one of the best playerin the palace, CEO. Your chance to get close to the Noble consort is in 4 days."

"You want me to learn a game I have never heard before and win one of the best players in four days are you crazy? That is just asking me to be killed again, Everything can go wrong." She whispered angrily

"I guess you just have to figure it out." The fox said before the interface popped up in Camilla's mind

[Side Quest Triggered…]

[Quest: Get selected as the Noble Consort's maid…]

[Reward: 500points]

[Penalty for failure: -700points]

"Well, look at that," the fox's sarcastic voice chimed. "A chance to earn your first pennies. Try not to mess it up, CEO. The shop has an excellent selection of poisons and other items you will need in your quest, but they don't accept corporate credit cards which you don't have anymore." It mocked

"-700 points for failure? Isn't that theft?" Camilla yelled out making the maids look at her in confusion. She smiles an awkward smile as the glare at her

"Freak!" one of the maid hissed as they continued with their duty.

Camilla gripped the handle of the bucket until her knuckles turned white.

'Just you wait,' Camilla thought, her eyes tracking the distant, towering golden spires of the inner palace rising against the mountain sky. 'King or not, a target is just a target. I will surely return home.'