Chapter 6: The Awakening of Iris Everheart

The rhythmic clicking of keys filled the dimly lit room, accompanied by the occasional murmur of excitement. Han Yomi leaned forward, eyes locked on the glowing screen in front of her. She was so close—so incredibly close—to unlocking the last hidden route in Eternal Bloom: Celestial Bonds, her favorite yuri fantasy game of all time. A game she had poured countless hours into, analyzing every choice, memorizing every line of dialogue, and even debating fan theories online. Tonight, she would finally complete the game in its entirety.

The in-game protagonist stood at the precipice of fate, the five legendary heroines gathered around her as celestial light bathed them in an ethereal glow. Iris grinned, fingers poised over the keyboard. Just one more choice—

And then everything went black.

A deafening roar, a violent tremor, and a searing heat engulfed her senses before she could even react. A split second of weightlessness, a sharp ringing in her ears, and then—nothing.

Pain.

It came in waves, crashing into her skull with relentless force. Iris groaned, her body aching as though she had been torn apart and stitched back together with fire. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing a ceiling unfamiliar to her—a grand canopy draped in silk, its deep violet hue accented with gold embroidery.

Confusion gripped her as she slowly pushed herself up. Her body felt... different. Lighter, yet foreign. Her fingers, slender and delicate, trembled slightly as she lifted them to her face.

Where am I?

Panic began to bubble in her chest, her mind desperately grasping for memories—only to be assaulted by an unbearable pressure. It was as though her skull was being split open, fragments of a shattered existence forcing themselves into place. Two lives, two sets of memories, intertwining into a single, chaotic mess.

Her past life. The explosion. Her love for Eternal Bloom: Celestial Bonds.

And then—

Her name wasn't Han Yomi anymore.

No... I AM Iris Everheart.

She sucked in a sharp breath, heart hammering as realization struck her like lightning. This wasn't just a dream. She had become the protagonist of her favorite game—the very character she had spent years analyzing, whose every route and secret she had uncovered.

How? Why?

Before she could delve deeper into the storm of thoughts raging in her mind, a soft knock echoed through the room.

"Lady Everheart, it is time to wake up."

The voice was gentle yet firm, filled with the practiced politeness of a well-trained servant. Before Iris could respond, the heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing a neatly dressed maid with a composed expression.

The sight struck her with an odd sense of familiarity. She knew this maid. Elena, one of the early-game NPCs who served the Everheart family. A minor character with no major role, but an undeniable presence in the story's early chapters.

The realization sent a fresh wave of disorientation through her. This wasn't just an illusion—this was real. The world she had loved so much had become her new reality.

Elena tilted her head slightly, a trace of concern flickering in her sharp green eyes. "My lady, are you feeling unwell?"

Iris quickly schooled her expression, pushing back the rising tide of disbelief. She had played this game enough times to know that any odd behavior could lead to complications. For now, she had to act the part.

"I'm fine," she murmured, surprised by the elegance of her own voice. It was softer, refined—completely unlike her old self. Clearing her throat, she straightened her posture. "I'll get ready."

Elena hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Very well. Your father is expecting you in the study. I shall prepare your attire."

As the maid bustled about, laying out a selection of fine garments, Iris swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her bare feet touched the plush carpet, and she took a deep breath to steady herself.

Alright. One step at a time.

She needed to gather information. Understand her surroundings. Figure out exactly where she was in the game's timeline.

And most importantly—she needed to survive.

Iris inhaled deeply, steadying herself as she stood before the ornate mirror in her chambers. The elegant silk gown Elena had chosen fit her frame perfectly, its deep blue fabric accentuating her delicate features. Her silver hair cascaded down in gentle waves, brushed to perfection.

She still wasn't used to this. The weight of the past clashed against the present, leaving her feeling as though she were balancing on a knife's edge. But there was no time for hesitation—her father was expecting her.

With measured steps, she exited her room, following the path ingrained in her memories. The Everheart estate was grand beyond belief, its marble halls lined with gilded sconces, ancient paintings, and towering glass windows that bathed everything in the morning sun's glow. Servants bustled about, offering polite bows as she passed.

Each step solidified the reality of her situation. This wasn't just a dream or some strange hallucination—this was her life now. And the path ahead had already been written in the game's script.

At last, she reached the grand double doors of her father's study. A deep breath. A moment to compose herself. Then, she pushed them open.

The Duke of Everheart sat behind a massive oak desk, his piercing blue eyes scanning documents. His presence was as imposing as she remembered—broad-shouldered, regal, and exuding an aura of unshakable authority. He barely glanced up as she entered, yet his words were sharp and direct.

"Tomorrow is your entrance exam for the Academy," he stated, his voice devoid of warmth. "You must be prepared. The Everheart name carries weight, and you will not tarnish it."

Iris met his gaze, her expression unreadable. She knew this scene well—it was the moment that set the main story into motion. Her father, ever the strict noble, demanded perfection. In the game, this was where Iris Everheart first resolved to prove herself.

And now, it was her turn to step into that role.

She nodded once, offering a flawless, noblewoman's bow. "I understand, Father. I will not disappoint."

A mere flick of his hand dismissed her, and she turned on her heel, exiting the study without another word. The moment she stepped out, she exhaled deeply, the tension easing from her shoulders. She would need to navigate this world carefully. But for now, there was nothing more to do but wait.

A crisp breeze rustled through the ancient trees as Akari stretched lazily beneath the golden sunlight. The scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the ever-present hum of magic that saturated her forest domain.

It had been years since she had fully embraced her existence as the nine-tailed fox Akari Noctis. The days passed in a dreamlike haze—filled with playful mischief, moments of quiet contemplation, and the occasional visit to the other Ancients.

But today felt... different.

She rose from her lounging spot and stretched, her tails fanning out luxuriously behind her before she leaped down from the shrine's steps, making her way through the dense woodland. The world whispered to her as she walked, the trees leaning ever so slightly, the wind carrying secrets only she could hear. And, most noticeably, the pulsing presence ahead—one she had become intimately familiar with over the years.

Sylwen Elaris stood at the base of the World Tree, her emerald cloak blending seamlessly with the surrounding foliage. Her expression was as serene as ever, yet there was an alertness to her stance, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of a slender, rune-etched blade.

"Guarding the great tree again?" Akari called out, her voice laced with amusement.

Sylwen didn't turn, nor did she seem surprised. "It is my duty. The roots of this tree extend across the world, binding the lands in harmony. It must be protected."

Akari sauntered closer, her tails swaying playfully. "You know, for someone so serious, you're actually quite endearing. I bet you'd be fun if you let yourself relax a little."

Sylwen finally turned, her violet eyes narrowing slightly. "And you are insufferable."

Akari grinned. "I try."

Their banter was interrupted by a sudden shift in the air—a pulse of magic so potent that even the leaves trembled in response. Akari felt it instantly, the message embedding itself within her mind.

An invitation.

She glanced at Sylwen, who had closed her eyes briefly before opening them again with a knowing look. "The High Table summons us."

Akari hummed in delight. "Ooh, another meeting? It's been a while. I do hope they missed me."

Sylwen sighed. "Must you take everything so lightly?"

"Absolutely." Akari flicked her tails, turning toward the path leading to the shrine. "Come on, Sylwen~. We wouldn't want to keep them waiting."

With a final glance at the World Tree, Sylwen followed, her footsteps light yet unwavering. The High Table's call was absolute, and whatever awaited them this time, Akari had a feeling it would be entertaining.

As they arrived at the High Table's gathering, Akari's eyes widened in amusement. Unlike previous meetings, this time, each of the other Ancients had brought a trusted follower from their respective races. Even Sylwen had brought one of her own, a quiet yet formidable high elf standing dutifully behind her.

Akari, however, had brought no one.

Or so she thought.

Just as she was about to question whether she had missed a crucial detail, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"Lady Akari!"

Akari winced playfully as Aria stormed in, the eight-tailed kitsune's expression a perfect mix of exasperation and exhaustion. "You left without telling me again! Do you realize how much work needs to be done? The shrine does not run itself, you know!"

Akari chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Oh, come now, Aria. You worry too much. I knew you'd manage things just fine in my absence."

Aria huffed, crossing her arms. "That is not the point!"

Before the conversation could escalate further, Akari sauntered toward Selene, who had been observing the exchange with a knowing smirk. Without hesitation, Akari wrapped her arms around the vampire and pulled her onto her lap as she took her seat at the High Table.

Selene, caught off guard, let out a small noise of protest before sighing dramatically. "Really, Akari? Must you always be so forward?"

Akari grinned. "Of course. Now, let's start the meeting, shall we?"