Haruto had one goal.
Escape.
He didn't care where he ended up.
He didn't care if he had to live in a cave.
He didn't care if he had to eat grass for the rest of his life.
As long as he could get away from the cult, away from his insane harem, and away from being worshipped like a god, he would consider it a victory.
---
Escape Plan: The Legendary Forest
Haruto bolted through the wilderness, running faster than the eye could see.
He ignored the "DANGER: DO NOT ENTER!" signs.
He ignored the ominous, glowing mist.
He ignored the warnings about how no one who enters the Ancient Elven Forest ever returns.
"Perfect," Haruto muttered. "If nobody ever returns, they'll never find me."
His destination?
The biggest, thickest, most hidden place in the forest.
And there, towering above the clouds, was the World Tree.
A massive, ancient tree so enormous that entire villages could fit inside its roots. Its golden leaves shimmered, and mystical energy pulsed around it.
Haruto didn't care.
"That looks climbable," he muttered. "If I live up there, nobody can find me."
---
Unknowingly Walking Into a Legendary Crisis
As Haruto approached the World Tree, something felt off.
The air was heavy.
The ground was scorched.
The tree's golden leaves were dim.
And in the distance—
A battle was raging.
"Huh," Haruto muttered. "Probably should avoid that."
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He turned to walk the other way.
Then—
BOOOOOM!
A massive explosion sent a figure flying toward him.
WHAM!
Something soft, warm, and very much alive crashed into Haruto, sending them both rolling through the grass.
Haruto groaned, looking down at what—or who—had just hit him.
It was a tall, elegant woman with long silver hair, emerald-green eyes, and pointed ears. Her flowing white dress was torn, and her golden crown was cracked.
Haruto blinked.
"...Who are you?"
The woman looked up at him, panting.
"Y-You… you saved me…"
"...Huh?"
Haruto had no idea what was happening.
But before he could process anything—
A massive shadow loomed over them.
---
Haruto Accidentally Saves the Elf Queen
Haruto looked up.
A colossal demon, at least three stories tall, loomed before him.
Glowing red eyes.
Dark, cracked armor.
Massive claws dripping with corrupt energy.
"Hand over the queen," the demon growled. "You are no match for me, human."
Haruto sighed.
"I was just trying to climb a tree, man."
"Then die."
The demon lunged.
Haruto casually raised a hand—
And flicked it.
BOOOOOM!
The air cracked.
The ground shattered.
The demon was sent flying so fast, it broke the sound barrier and vanished over the horizon.
Haruto dusted off his hands.
"...Can I go now?"
The Elf Queen's eyes widened.
"I knew it…" she whispered. "A savior has come."
Haruto's soul left his body.
"Oh no."
---
Haruto Unknowingly Gains Another Weirdo
"You have my eternal gratitude!" the Elf Queen declared dramatically, clasping his hands. "Brave warrior, you have saved me from certain doom!"
Haruto tensed.
Oh no. Oh no no no.
Not again.
"Wait, wait, wait, I'm not a warrior," Haruto said quickly. "I was just—"
"You are a hero beyond compare!" the Elf Queen continued. "To defeat a demon with a single strike… I have never seen such power!"
"It was an accident!"
"Surely, you must be an ancient being in disguise!"
"I'M JUST A GUY!"
The Elf Queen ignored him.
She lowered her head, suddenly looking shy.
"As the ruler of the elves…" she murmured. "I must reward you properly."*
Haruto paled.
"Oh, no. No no no—"
"I shall become your wife."
Haruto's scream echoed through the entire forest.
---
Haruto's Breakdown: Part 500
"WHY?!" Haruto yelled.
"It is only natural!" the Elf Queen said seriously. "Elves pledge themselves to those who save their lives!"
"THAT'S A TERRIBLE SYSTEM!"
"You are strong. You are kind. You are worthy."
"I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOUR NAME!"
"I am Queen Sylphiel of the Elven Dominion," she said. "But you may call me Sylphy, my beloved."
"I WILL DO NO SUCH THING!"
"It is done, then!"
"IT IS NOT DONE!"
Haruto grabbed his head, feeling his last brain cell die.
HOW DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?!
---
Meanwhile… Haruto's Harem is Tracking Him
Lilia stood at the edge of the Legendary Forest, eyes glowing.
"Found him~."
Fel tilted her head. "Dang, boss ran far this time."
Emberis cracked her knuckles. "He's making this too fun."
Princess Emilia sighed. "At this point, should we even be surprised?"
They marched forward.
Haruto had escaped the cult.
Haruto had escaped the village.
Haruto had found a new hiding spot.
And now?
Now, they were about to find him again.
And they were not alone.
A new challenger had appeared.