Volume 2, Chapter 9: The Cult That Wants to Marry Me (All at Once)
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Kai was still getting used to surviving divine duels, avoiding interdimensional harem drama, and suppressing magical relics that wrote romantic fanfic of his life.
He was not ready for a marriage proposal.
Let alone fifty-seven of them.
From one cult.
Simultaneously.
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It started with a letter.
Carried by a floating, blushing cherub in a tuxedo.
The letter was perfumed, sealed in crimson wax, and inscribed with golden calligraphy:
> "To Our Future Beloved Husband of Light and Chaos, Kai."
Kai blinked. "...That can't be good."
Yui read over his shoulder. "They're inviting you to a sacred ceremony. Something about 'Unified Matrimony of the Starbind Order.'"
Velmaria snatched the letter. "Did they brand it with hearts?"
Nyxa scanned it. "Religious sect. Worships a concept called 'The Bound One.' Believes he'll marry their Seventy-Seven Sisters and herald the Emotional Ascension."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "And let me guess—they think Kai's him?"
Nyxa nodded. "Affirmative."
Kai dropped his head into his hands. "Why me?"
Iseria crossed her arms. "You attract unstable entities."
Veyra grinned. "They're not wrong. We did all nearly kill you before kissing you."
Kai muttered, "My love life is a cosmic threat."
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[Main Quest: Investigate the Starbind Order's Proposal]
[Optional: Don't accidentally marry an entire cult]
[Warning: Cult's sacred vow may override consent if not rejected in time]
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Location: Shrine of the Bound Star
It was gorgeous.
White marble towers, floating crystal petals, and a constant soft melody that made Kai's heart ache.
The Starbind Sisters welcomed him with radiant smiles and shimmering veils. They glided like dancers, spoke in poetry, and all looked eerily… similar.
Their leader stepped forward.
Tall. Beautiful. Wrapped in divine silks that shimmered with galaxies.
"Beloved Kai," she whispered, voice like wind in a meadow. "I am Elvarelle, First Sister. We have awaited you for seventy lunar fates."
Kai blinked. "I'm not who you think I am."
She touched his chest.
"The Codex chose you. The Glitch confirms you. The God of Love failed to sway you. That makes you him."
Yui stepped forward. "He's taken."
Seraphina added, "Multiple times, by most of us."
Velmaria: "And we bite."
Iseria glared. "Leave."
But Elvarelle only smiled. "You misunderstand. Our rite does not replace love. It… harmonizes it. We wish to join your harem."
Kai choked. "You want to...?"
"All seventy-seven of us."
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[New Objective: Survive the Starbind Courtship Gauntlet]
[Explanation: A sacred challenge to see if your heart can resonate with the Sisters]
[Failure Condition: You're still getting married]
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Trial 1: The Confession Mirror
Each Sister appeared one by one, reflected in a mirror showing their vision of love with Kai.
Some were sweet.
Some were... intense.
One involved matching outfits and daily synchronized breakfasts. Another? A swordfight wedding atop a volcano.
Velmaria snorted. "I like that one."
Yui growled. "Not happening."
Kai stumbled out, dizzy. "They're serious."
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Trial 2: The Dance of Shared Rhythm
Kai had to match steps with the Sisters' leader while his harem provided commentary.
Veyra: "He's panicking. That's his stress shuffle."
Iseria: "His left foot always twitches when flustered."
Seraphina: "Still adorable though."
Kai tripped, landed in Elvarelle's arms.
She whispered, "I will never drop you."
Kai whispered back, "That's the problem."
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Trial 3: Heart Echo
He was placed in a circle of all the Sisters. They chanted, then touched his memories.
Suddenly he relived everything—every kiss, fight, rescue, promise.
Then... he saw a future.
One where he wore white robes, standing among the Sisters, smiling like it was everything he ever wanted.
He blinked it away.
"No," he muttered.
"No?" Elvarelle asked, tilting her head.
Kai stood tall. "I don't want to be worshipped. I want to be loved—equally. Not as a prophecy. As a person."
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The wind stilled.
The shrine dimmed.
Then... applause.
Elvarelle bowed. "You passed."
"What?"
"We needed to know if you would choose yourself. Not fate. Not fantasy. You."
"Wait… this was a test?"
She smiled. "And a warning. There are more who will not ask permission."
She stepped closer. Kissed his forehead gently.
"You have our blessing. And our help. Should you ever need seventy-seven slightly obsessed love-priestesses."
Kai blinked. "That's... oddly comforting."
Nyxa dinged.
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> [Quest Complete: Survive Cult Proposal Without Accidentally Saying "I Do"]
[Kai's Relationship Web Expanded: Starbind Order – Allied Flirtation]
[New Skill: "Heartshield" – Auto-blocks unwanted magical proposals or forced marriages]
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That night, back at camp…
Kai lay under the stars, trying not to think about synchronized vows and glittering veils.
Yui lay beside him, shoulder touching his.
"They really wanted you," she muttered.
He smiled faintly. "Yeah. But I already have too many heartaches to handle."
She turned her face to his.
"Then don't handle them alone."
He met her eyes.
And kissed her.
No prophecy.
No chant.
Just her.
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End of Chapter 9 – Volume 2