All Chapters of Romancing the Horror: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

"Samuel? Who's that?" The ghost bride looked completely confused. "If you say you're my husband, then tell me… Do you even know my name?"I watched as her fingernails slowly grew longer, sharpening into blade-like claws. My heart jumped into my throat, afraid she would swipe at me any second."Ximena. Your name is Ximena!"The ghost bride slowly retracted her claws, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Well… it seems we really do know each other."Cold sweat soaked my back, but I finally let out a quiet breath of relief. Thank goodness George had mentioned her name earlier."In that case, let's proceed with the ceremony at once. We must not miss the appointed time."The eerie puppet dressed as a master of ceremonies stepped forward and draped a dark red suit over my shoulders."The witnessing begins.""Swear your vows."My body straightened on its own, like something was controlling me. On the raised platform ahead, two puppets with twisted smiles stared at me. Their hollow e

Hearing the system's promise, I was instantly tempted."Ximena, let me fix your skull." I used the universal glue to carefully attach the missing piece back onto her head.After it dried, I had her shake her head a few times to test it. "It's really fixed."Ximena broke into a happy smile. I seized the moment to make my request."Ximena, today is our wedding day. Let's just forget all the misunderstandings from before. How about you give me that nail as a token of our love?"She waved her hand without a second thought. "It's just a nail. If you like it, take it."[Ding. Target Ximena has gifted the host a level-four soul nail. Stored in inventory.][Ding. Host has obtained a level-three tweezer. Stored in inventory.][Nail removal task completed. Reward pack has been issued. Please claim it in your inventory.][Please keep up the good work and carry out your Devoting actions to the end.]I opened my system inventory and found four new items inside. A mask called Beauty Restor

Ximena's extended hair instantly retracted, and she shrank back into her small, delicate form. She stood there with her hands clasped together, head lowered, looking obedient and timid. For some reason, that sight made me feel uncomfortable.I pulled her behind me and turned to face the man standing there. He wore a long black robe. His eyes were narrow and slanted upward, his body bulky, his face downright ugly. The man carried himself with an air of superiority, casting me an annoyed glance."Ximena, come here at once. What do you think you're doing, standing with another man? And what's with those shoes? Didn't I tell you not to wear any? A woman who wears shoes is a woman with schemes. Trying to run off with a lover, aren't you? Take them off immediately."Just like that, Ximena started to walk toward him.I grabbed her arm and lifted my chin. "Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to order Ximena around?"Silvia let out a mocking laugh. "Idiot. You're about to di

Ximena and I exchanged a glance."Let's go," she said quickly. "We have to follow the process. If the system detects something abnormal, it'll reset everything… including our memories."When we returned to the main hall, those colorful, eerie puppets were already standing in a circle.A pale puppet stood in the center, holding two cups filled with blood."Bride and groom, raise your cups."This time, when I looked at the two puppets seated at the head of the table, I finally noticed something strange.They looked… a lot like Derrick. Were they modeled after Derrick's parents?However, it did not make sense. Derrick was already there, so why were they still searching for a 'groom'? The answer came to me as I recalled what another player had said before. Ximena hated men, and any 'groom' she chose would be torn apart.It seemed like there was a hidden thread in that dungeon's mission.I had once asked Ximena why she killed those grooms and even fed them to the puppets. Her ans