Pathological Heart Lock - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

[Welcome to the Evil Spirit Theater. Please play your role well. Actions inconsistent with your character are strictly prohibited.]

[Warning: Players must ensure their words and deeds match their identity at all times!]

Before me stood an ancient, magnificent manor.

As the mechanical, synthesized voice finished its announcement, the new players around me exchanged looks of sheer terror. Someone started screaming and demanding to go home, only to have their head instantly crushed by an invisible force.

The air went silent for half a second before the players erupted into blood-curdling screams of horror. “Aaaaah-!”

My vision went dark, and I nearly fainted from the sight of the headless corpse. Trembling, I curled into a corner and looked down at the identity card in my hand.

[Name: Youxin.]

[Identity: Wife of the Manor Owner.]

[Hint: Your husband, Mr. Xie, will return home tonight. Perhaps he expects you to fulfill your duties as a wife?]

I swallowed hard.

Fulfill my duties as a wife?

Wh-what kind of duties?

Is it what I think it is?

“Madam, it is time for you to return to your room. The Master will return precisely at midnight. Please change into the clothes the Master has prepared for you in advance.”

An elderly Butler NPC dressed in a tuxedo smiled, making a respectful “after you” gesture.

The other players cast looks of pity my way, as if saying “good luck, you’ll need it.”

Everyone knows that in horror movies, the person who ends up alone is the first to die.

Having drawn the most dangerous identity card, I was already a dead woman in their eyes.

As if by unspoken agreement, they all took a step back, isolating me.

Seeing me frozen in place, the Butler NPC didn’t get angry. He simply repeated himself with a smile:

“Madam, please return to your room.”

I finally snapped out of it.

Belatedly, I remembered that violating the rules of one’s identity would result in having one’s head crushed instantly.

I caught a glimpse of the headless corpse out of the corner of my eye and forced a stiff, awkward smile. “Right… right. I’m going back to my room now…”