Shin Kazuki never believed in fate.
He was an ordinary university student in Tokyo, with a quiet demeanor, a mediocre GPA, and zero luck in love. Though his jet-black hair framed a handsome face and his tall, lean frame turned the occasional head, Shin had never been confident enough to act on his good looks. Most of his days were spent in class, gaming at night, and sometimes sketching his fantasy characters in a worn leather sketchbook. He was, in every way, average—until the moment everything changed.
It happened on a rainy Thursday.
Shin was walking home from class, earbuds in, music loud, thoughts lost in a daydream of the elf warrior girl he'd just drawn. He didn't see the truck speeding through the intersection. He didn't hear the screech of brakes, nor the gasps of bystanders. The last thing he remembered was a sudden, blinding light.
And then—nothing.
---
A voice. Gentle. Echoing in the void.
> "Shin Kazuki… you have been chosen."
He felt weightless, like his body had evaporated. Then slowly, like a dream forming from smoke, he began to sense heat, then softness, and finally—light.
His eyes opened to an unfamiliar ceiling. Crystals glowed softly, casting a warm, magical hue across the room. He sat up with a jolt. The bed beneath him was massive, luxurious, and embroidered with gold threads. Silken sheets rustled against his skin. He touched his chest—smooth, toned, bare. No injuries. No hospital gown. Just a silk robe loosely draped over his body.
Before he could speak, the door creaked open.
She entered with the grace of a seasoned queen. A tall woman in silver and blue robes, her hair as white as snow, her eyes glowing faintly with wisdom and power.
> "Welcome, Shin Kazuki," she said, her voice a melody. "You have been summoned to Elseria—the land between light and shadow."
> "What… what is this?" Shin asked, standing slowly. "Where am I? Who are you?"
She smiled. "I am Meridia, Archmage of the Eternal Council. You were chosen by the Goddess of Rebirth to be reincarnated here."
> "Reincarnated?" Shin whispered. "I died…?"
Meridia nodded solemnly. "Your soul passed from the mortal realm, but your essence was strong. The Goddess selected you to be reborn here, in a body imbued with beauty, strength, and charm beyond human limits."
Shin's heart pounded. He looked down at his reflection in the mirror beside the bed. His appearance had changed—dramatically.
Gone was the average face he'd known all his life. His new visage was nothing short of ethereal. Smooth, flawless skin. Hair black as midnight, shining faintly with a silver sheen. Eyes like molten gold. His body was chiseled, lean yet muscular, with every line of his physique carved like a living sculpture.
> "Holy…" Shin muttered, touching his jaw. "Is this really me?"
Meridia smiled knowingly. "You are no longer bound by your former self. In this world, you are the Chosen. The Most Handsome Man in the World."
Shin blinked. "Why…? What for?"
Meridia raised her staff, and the crystals on the ceiling flared to life. A magical projection shimmered before them—images of villages burning, a monstrous throne shrouded in shadow, and a woman with eyes like fire, seated upon it.
> "This is the Demon King—no, Queen—Seraphira. She commands an army of darkness. Her goal is to conquer all of Elseria and plunge the land into eternal lust and ruin."
Shin stared. "Wait… she's a woman?"
Meridia nodded. "She was once a great hero, but was consumed by her desire for power and control. Only the Chosen One, blessed with the divine gifts of charm and beauty, can challenge her… and break her spell."
Shin's brow furrowed. "So… I'm supposed to seduce the Demon Queen?"
Meridia chuckled. "Not quite. But your unique charm will affect all beings in this world—man, woman, and creature alike. You were not chosen to simply fight… but to conquer hearts. That is your greatest weapon."
Shin exhaled. "Okay… okay, this is insane. But also kind of… awesome?"
Meridia stepped closer, her eyes studying him. "You will be given companions. Allies drawn to your presence. Seven women, each destined to be by your side. They will love you, protect you, and in time, become part of your soul."
Shin swallowed. "A… a harem?"
Meridia raised an elegant brow. "That is one way to put it."
> "Okay, anime logic is definitely real here," Shin thought.
He grinned.
---
Meridia led him to a grand balcony overlooking the floating city of Arcluna. The city shimmered with spires, airships, and glowing bridges, suspended above a vast ocean of clouds. Below, magic ran like rivers through the air, and dragon-like creatures soared lazily in the distance.
> "This world is beautiful," Shin whispered.
Meridia placed a hand on his shoulder. "And it is yours to protect. But be warned—the charm you carry is powerful. Many will desire you. Some will worship you. Others may try to control you. But those with true hearts will walk beside you."
As she said this, a glowing seal appeared on Shin's chest—seven symbols etched in light, each blank.
> "Each symbol will awaken when one of your destined companions gives herself fully to you—in body, heart, and soul."
Shin's cheeks turned crimson. "Wait, that kind of giving herself?"
Meridia only smirked.
---
Later that night, Shin stood alone in his new chambers. His thoughts raced. From an average student to a godlike man with the fate of a world in his hands—and a destined harem of beautiful women.
It was absurd. It was overwhelming.
And yet… it was thrilling.
He walked to the mirror again. His golden eyes sparkled in the low light. For the first time in his life, he saw himself not as a background character—but as the main hero.
A knock came at the door.
> "My lord," said a soft voice. "Lady Lilia has arrived. She awaits you in the training hall."
> "Lilia?" Shin asked. "Who's she?"
The servant blushed. "The first of the Seven."